2012 NFL Free Agents: 4 Top Free Agents and Where They'll Land

Choosing the right free agent is no small task.

While NFL teams scurry to sign their own players to contracts before the March 13 deadline and the free agency period begins, there are some grumblings about where players will land, who is the top target and why Daniel Snyder seems to want to be the center of attention in the NFL.

Snyder already made a splash by trading the city of Washington, D.C. to acquire the second selection in the April draft to select Robert Griffin III. Now there is speculation that Snyder is targeting Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson to be his top target in the passing game.

There are other top-flight free agents on the market. It's just a matter of making sure there is a right fit and the right price to be had.

These are the top free agents and where they are projected to land.

Mario Williams, Houston Texans

He may command the most money of any pass rusher ever on the free agent market.

A team may pay a king's ransom to take a stab at Williams, who is in his mid-20s and gives whoever takes him speed and a run-stuffer, as well as someone who can cause nightmares in the opposition's backfield.

Right now, there are rumors that Dallas and Seattle are the front runners for his services.

If I had to gauge who will land this talented player, I'd say Dallas. Jerry Jones has a way of making it happen.

Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints

While Carl Nicks may be the most important free agent on the team now that Drew Brees has been franchised, Colston is just as key in the offensive game plan.

At 6'4" and 225 pounds, he is solid if not spectacular and provides a huge end zone target. Both he and Robert Meachem are free agents, which means Brees could lose two important targets.

I think New Orleans takes a swing at him but misses because it may not be able to re-sign both receivers and Nicks.

If he goes out on the open market, look for the Vikings to take a swipe at him. Maybe the Jets look his way and the Jaguars will also have something to say about it as well.

I think the Vikings are the leader in the clubhouse. With Percy Harvin in the mix, the two could form a great inside-out tandem for second-year quarterback Christian Ponder.

Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers

This one may already be a done deal.

Jackson will be a Redskin. Team owner Daniel Snyder knows the importance of getting RGIII (who he traded everything for) a sure-handed receiver.

Jackson will be a Redskin. At 6'5", he is the big target this team needs.

Carl Nicks, New Orleans

Nicks is a key component with the Saints offensive line and the passing and running game.

He also was a big part in helping Drew Brees break Dan Marino's single-season passing record.

While there are still three key free agents the team must sign, including Nicks, I think it is more likely the receivers leave and Nicks continues to find his home in the Big Easy protecting Drew Brees.

It's a tough job, but Nicks has to do it.