2012 NFL Free Agents: Power Ranking Most Coveted Defensive Stars

We can keep talking about quarterback Peyton Manning or wide receiver Vincent Jackson, but in the end the players that teams covet most during the NFL free agency are the defensive studs.

As the saying goes, defense wins championships, and that is what teams are going to have to keep in mind when they go after some of the top free-agent defensive players in this group.

The following defensive players will get the most attention this offseason, and they should be able to make an immediate impact to whomever manages to nab them.

5. Cortland Finnegan, CB 

The Tennessee Titans' cornerback Finnegan is a controversial pickup for any team, but there is no doubt that he does provide the physical play that teams would want from someone in their secondary.

Finnegan had 75 tackles this past season, but with just one interception. He hasn't exactly been the same threat that he was back in 2008 and 2009, when he had five interceptions in each season.

He definitely has the upside, but that comes with the risk of the drama.

It is no secret that Finnegan has an attitude—a reckless one at that.

Back during the 2010 season, Finnegan got into a fight with Houston Texans' wide receiver Andre Johnson.

He can clearly get under the skin of other teams' offensive weapons, but any team that picks him up is going to have to hope that he can keep it under control.

4. Brandon Carr, CB

Another highly skilled corner in this free-agency class is Carr, who played with the Kansas City Chiefs this past season.

Carr had mixed results this past season. His 45 tackles was the lowest of his career, but his four interceptions were the highest.

With Finnegan being his biggest competition, Carr will likely have a shot at being the highest paid CB coming out of this class.

Carr is still relatively young, as he is just 25 years old, so he provides a whole lot of upside for any team that takes a shot at him.

Their are plenty of teams that will need the addition of a solid corner, so Carr should be their first stop in the process.

3. Stephen Tulloch, LB

The Detroit Lions may not want to see Tulloch get away, but it will be awfully hard to hold off the competition after he recorded 111 tackles with two interceptions this past season.

This wasn't Tulloch's best season, as he recorded 160 tackles with the Titans just a season ago, but he is looking like a linebacker that could help improve any team this coming season.

The Lions looked good this past season, so they would likely be hesitant to allow much change this offseason.

The logical move would be to re-sign Tulloch, but the bigger question is at what price?

That is something the Lions management is going to have to really consider, but as of late they have been making all the right moves.

2. Jeremy Mincey, DE

This is a good time for Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Mincey to hit the free-agent market, as he is coming off of his best season yet and he is due to get paid.

Mincey is 28 years old, so this is a good time for him to score a huge contract.

This past season, he recorded 57 tackles while forcing four fumbles. Heck, he even added an interception to those numbers.

Mincey also still has a lot of mileage left on him, as he has only played in 40 games over the last four years.

2011 was his first full season, but he was important as the Jaguars defensive actually looked strong this past year. 

1. Mario Williams, DE

The former No. 1 overall pick, Houston Texans' defensive end Williams will be getting paid plenty this offseason.

While the Texas would likely wish to keep him around, they may just find it difficult to do so with Williams having the ability to take offers from any team.

The team actually did fine without Williams, as the big DE only played in five games this past season.

There is no doubt that he can make a huge impact on the field, but then again teams are going to have to worry about his health as he has only played in 18 games in the last two seasons.

Williams will get paid, as some team will be desperate to make him a part of their squad.

If he can remain healthy, there is no reason that Williams won't be worth the cost.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase