2012 NFL Free Agency Predictions: 8 Players Who Will Provide Immediate Upgrades

We are merely hours away from the opening of free agency, and it has become clear which players will hit the market.

Big names like Vincent Jackson and Mario Williams headline the class, but there are also diamonds in the rough to be had.

All in all, this year's free agent class is deep with talent at nearly every position, and with teams like the Bengals and Dolphins flush with cap space, there should be some big deals flying around.

With this in mind, here are eight free agents who should provide big upgrades to their new teams.

Mario Williams

A massive contract is looming for Mario Williams, who will instantly upgrade some team's pass rush.

Elite pass-rushers rarely become available, but that is exactly what has happened with Mario Williams. The former first overall pick has lived up to expectations, proving to be one of the top pass-rushers in the NFL.

With his elite combination of size and athleticism, Williams is capable of taking over games. If he stays healthy in 2012, some team will gain one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL.

Prediction

Williams will sign a monumental contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who haven't had a competent pass rush in a long time.

With Williams leading the way, the Jags' defense becomes one of the top units in the NFL, and the Jaguars improve greatly in 2012.

Ben Grubbs

A team looking for big time offensive line help need look no further than Baltimore Ravens guard Ben Grubbs.

Grubbs has paved the way for Ray Rice to become one of the best running backs in the NFL, and he has done a solid job of keeping Joe Flacco clean as well.

Though he will command a solid contract, Grubbs is one of the premiere offensive linemen available, and some team will pay a premium for his ability.

Prediction

The Cincinnati Bengals could use a new guard, and signing Grubbs helps them while hurting the Ravens.

Grubbs will help pave the way for the Bengals' new running back in 2012, and they will again challenge for a playoff spot.

Michael Bush

Powerful runners are becoming harder and harder to find in the NFL, but Michael Bush keeps the style in vogue with his bruising runs.

Bush has never had the opportunity to be a bell cow back, languishing behind Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden. With shoddy offensive line play, Bush's stats aren't as impressive as one would expect, but he is still a solid talent.

As the best running back available in 2012, Bush will finally get his chance to be a bell cow back.

Prediction

Bush will follow Ben Grubbs to Cincinnati, where he will give the Bengals the running game that they've lacked for the past few years.

With Bush leading the charge, the Bengals could become a top rushing team in 2012.

Eric Winston

Now that Eric Winston, one of the top right tackles in the NFL, is available, teams will be clamoring to solidify their offensive lines with the steady tackle.

Winston helped pave the way for the Texans' incredible running game the past two years, and any team that runs a zone blocking scheme has to consider Winston.

Prediction

Winston would be a nice fit for the Denver Broncos, who could use offensive line help. Winston would fit right in and upgrade the offensive line.

Carl Nicks

Carl Nicks, perhaps the best guard in the NFL, is disgusted with the Saints' lack of initiative to re-sign him, and he is preparing to move on.

Some lucky team will benefit from the Saints' mistake. Nicks is immensely talented, with ideal size, strength and athleticism.

Prediction

Seattle would be a great landing spot for Nicks, as they have plenty of cap space and a hole at guard.

Nicks and Marshawn Lynch would become fast friends, and Lynch's numbers would rise to new heights in 2012.

Vincent Jackson

One of the biggest and fastest receivers in the NFL, Vincent Jackson is a physical freak who will make big money in 2012.

Jackson is one of the premiere deep threats in the NFL, and he will instantly boost any team's passing attack.

Prediction

The Washington Redskins will need a target for Robert Griffin III. Despite their lack of cap room, the Redskins will be gunning for the talented threat.

Cortland Finnegan

This year's group of cornerbacks is tremendously deep, and Finnegan headlines that group.

One of the toughest corners in the NFL, Finnegan can punch receivers in the mouth, and he can control just about any receiver in the league.

Finnegan will fit best with a team that will allow him to play the physical kind of football he is known for.

Prediction

The Rams defense was abysmal last year, and signing a star cornerback would go a long way in fixing their problems.

Finnegan would get the opportunity to play for his former coach, and the Rams would benefit from one of the best corners in the NFL.

Mike Wallace

One of the fastest players in the NFL, Mike Wallace will reap the benefits of a massive contract in 2012, and due to salary cap concerns, it will probably not be with the Steelers.

A dominant deep threat, Wallace has burning speed and great ball skills that translate to any offense.

Prediction

The Patriots are a team more than willing to shake up the NFL with a major move, and signing Wallace would do just that.

With a need at receiver, Wallace makes a lot of sense for the Patriots.