2012 NFL Free Agent Predictions: Where Will Carlos Rogers and the Top CBs Land?

So far, for the most part of what's expected in NFL free agency, a lot of attention has been directed toward Peyton Manning and Vincent Jackson among other offensive players.

On the flip side, this has affected the much deserved recognition of the defensive free agents and where those more notable could land for the 2012 season.

Here, let's take a look at the best corners available, as upgrading one's pass defense is never a bad idea, especially in a passing league.

Carlos Rogers, Cleveland Browns

According to Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers may end up parting ways with All-Pro corner Carlos Rogers:

"

Rumors have it that Rogers could slip into free agent waters and that the team will let the market set the price for him.

"

Now, that may have come last week; however, there's no denying that if Rogers hits the market, surely more than a few teams will be interested.

And one of those teams needs to be the Cleveland Browns. Yes, Cleveland ranked No. 2 in pass defense last season, but the Browns also defended the second-least number of passes all season (469). Only the Kansas City Chiefs defended less passes.

The Browns also ranked No. 30 in rush defense, allowing almost 150 rush yards per game. In other words, Rogers' ability to lock down in coverage and set the edge against the run will significantly improve Cleveland's defense.

Last season, Rogers recorded six picks and returned them for 101 yards, so he also provides a field position advantage when causing turnovers. Pairing him opposite of Joe Haden will immediately create arguably the NFL's best cornerback tandem, which will take a lot of pressure off the front seven.

Cortland Finnegan, Jacksonville Jaguars

According to Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times, Cortland Finnegan is being patient this offseason.

This is a smart move by Finnegan, because making too quick of decision can really have an indirect effect on his 2012 season.

There's obviously going to be some defenses interested, as Finnegan is a reliable and consistent defender. A Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection in 2008, Finnegan is one of the better run-defending corners in the league.

He's recorded 175 tackles over the last two seasons and 140 were solo tackles. So, the man either anchors the edge against the run or makes a quick tackle in coverage, thus preventing any yards after the catch.

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to consider Finnegan, as he should be open to Tennessee's division rival. Last season the Jaguars may have finished 5-11, but Mel Tucker's defense was ranked No. 8 against the pass and No. 9 against the run.

Playing opposite of Rashean Mathis would make for one impressive cornerback duo, and against pass-oriented offenses, contributing a guy like Kevin Rutland as a nickel or dime back will give the Jags an elite secondary.

Terrell Thomas, Green Bay Packers

After winning the Super Bowl without him, it would be very surprising to see the New York Giants re-sign Terrell Thomas. After all, the man did miss the entire 2011 season due to injury and he'd be restricted to a limited role with Big Blue in 2012.

And, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News, nothing has happened between Thomas and the Giants yet:

"

Thomas is still dreaming of something bigger, though, which may be why negotiations with the Giants have stalled.

“You know what? You never know,” he [Terrell Thomas] says. “I learned coming in that all you need is one team to like you. That’s all I’m hoping for, whether it’s the Giants or one of the other 31 teams out there. All you need is one team to believe in you and trust in you.”

"

Well, one team that better believe in Thomas is the Green Bay Packers. Despite a 15-1 record in 2011, the cheese's defense ranked dead last against the pass by allowing almost 300 pass yards per game.

It also ranked dead last in allowing an average of 411.6 total yards per game. In addition, the Packers allowed an average of 4.7 rush yards per carry (ranked No. 26) and allowed 22.4 points per game (ranked No. 19).

Thomas would be the perfect addition as he's hoping for another opportunity to showcase his skills. Green Bay should recognize that the man recorded 101 tackles, five picks, defended 21 total passes and forced four fumbles in 2010.

Those numbers are first-team All-Pro caliber and the Packers need a defensive back, who like Charles Woodson, can do it all. Also favoring Thomas is that he's just 27 years old.

Brandon Carr, Dallas Cowboys

Either the Dallas Cowboys land a stud corner via free agency or look to the NFL draft for answers. The question, however, is whether team owner Jerry Jones wants to start a prominent rookie or someone who's already well-established in the NFL.

Well, Brandon Carr is a suitable fit, because the Kansas City Chiefs appear to be headed in a different direction after signing Stanford Routt.

And, in an article by Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas, Watkins just wants Big D to go after a corner:

"

The Cowboys have a problem making plays on the ball in the secondary, so when free agency starts Tuesday afternoon, the travel department better find first-class tickets for Brandon Carr and Cortland Finnegan.

Signing either player should help a Cowboys secondary that clearly lacks playmakers. 

"

Although Finnegan is an option, as Watkins mentioned, Carr is just as solid of a choice. He's defended 59 passes over the last three seasons, recorded four picks in 2011 and was part of the NFL's No. 6 ranked pass defense.

Yes, the Chiefs defended the least number of passes all season (454), but they also picked off 20 passes (ranked No. 6). So, it's obvious that K.C. seized as many opportunities as it could when dropping into coverage.

As for Carr, he stepped up his game with safety Eric Berry out for most of the season, and considering that the Cowboys were ranked No. 23 against the pass in 2011 (allowed over 240 pass yards per game), adding him will only be an upgrade to taking away half the field.

John Rozum on Twitter.