2012 NFL Free Agents: Position-by-Position Rankings and Predictions

It never fails to be true, but every year there are potential all star teams able to constructed by choosing only from that year's free-agent class. 2012 carries on that tradition, and March 13th is going to be a feeding frenzy of teams looking to improve their chances for next season.

The rankings of these players are always subject to personal opinion as well as their own individual fit with teams' philosophies and systems.

Still, some names stand out above the others (at some positions, heads and shoulders above) and the predictions as to where they will land are anyone's guess.

Regardless, here are the top five players at each position group and their potential destinations when free agency actually begins.  

The Quarterbacks

The prize catch of this free agency class is clearly the future hall of famer, Peyton Manning. His services are the most coveted of any player on the market regardless of position. Beyond Manning, the resume's become far less decorated and much harder to assess their worth. Still, there are potential starters out there to be signed. Look for a reunion in Miami, a second chance in Seattle, a safety blanket in New York and a mobile quarterback to back up a budding star in Washington. 

1. Peyton Manning  DESTINATION: Denver Broncos

2. Matt Flynn          DESTINATION: Miami Dolphins

3. Chad Henne        DESTINATION: Seattle Seahawks

4. Kyle Orton      DESTINATION: New York Jets

5. Vince Young       DESTINATION: Washington Redskins 

The Running Backs

This running back class was relatively strong heading in to free agency, but by virtue of teams making some tough cuts it has become a little deeper. Two time Super Bowl champion Brandon Jacobs is on the market and looking for a new place to bruise out of the backfield and he may not need to pack a single box to do it. The New York Jets are not going to remake their offense from the QB position, but they certainly can from the RB position. Everything Jacobs is about screams for him to become a New York Jet.

1. Brandon Jacobs DESTINATION: New York Jets

2. Cedric Benson DESTINATION: Detroit Lions

3. Joseph Addai DESTINATION: Kansas City Chiefs

4. Peyton Hillis DESTINATION: Philadelphia Eagles

5. Khalil Bell DESTINATION: Denver Broncos

The Tight Ends

The most productive tight end to hit the market, after the resigning of Jermichael Finley, was recently cut during the massive purge in Indy. Dallas Clark is a tremendous pass catcher who can help reinvigorate a passing offense from the line of scrimmage or in the slot. The rest of the class is highlighted by younger players with untapped potential.

1. Dallas Clark    DESTINATION: Denver Broncos

2. Martellus Bennett    DESTINATION: Oakland Raiders

3. John Carlson    DESTINATION: Seattle Seahawks

4. Vinsanthe Shiancoe  DESTINATION: Minnesota Vikings

5. Kevin Boss    DESTINATION: New York Giants

The Wide Receivers

The fact that Vincent Jackson is hitting the market is going to save the Steelers a lot of sleep since teams can focus their efforts on signing the UFA as opposed to giving up the requisite dowry for the RFA, Mike Wallace. Jackson is the biggest game changer available at the position and will fetch a high price from a needy team.

1. Vincent Jackson DESTINATION: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Reggie Wayne DESTINATION: Denver Broncos

3. Marques Colston DESTINATION: Tenneessee Titans 

4. Plaxico Burress DESTINATION: Philadelphia Eagles

5. Pierre Garcon DESTINATION: San Francisco 49ers 

The Offensive Line

Offensive lineman are a tough commodity to come by, and usually when a team finds a good one through the draft, they find a way to keep the happy as long as they are productive. The same holds true for the big names on the market this year. Teams are restructuring other deals and cutting players in order to keep some of these stalwarts on their lines.

1. Carl Nicks DESTINATION: New Orleans Saints

2. Chris Myers DESTINATION: Houston Texans

3. Ben Grubbs DESTINATION: Baltimore Ravens

4. Guy Whimper DESTINATION: Jacksonville Jaguars

5. Jared Gaither DESTINATION: Indianapolis Colts

The Defensive Line

A tough decision had to be made in Atlanta regarding John Abraham, but the insanely productive veteran DE is now on the market and highlighting teams wish lists looking for increased pass rushing ability. On the inside the names are far less spectacular, but still some big block eaters that can improve a teams rush defense.

1. John Abraham DESTINATION: New York Jets

2. Juqua Parker DESTINATION: Philadelphia Eagles

3. Brodrick Bunkley DESTINATION: Denver Broncos 

4. Paul Soliai DESTINATION: Miami Dolphins

5. Antonio Garay DESTINATION: Indianapolis Colts

The Linebackers

The whale of the linebacker crop is most certainly Mario Williams, both for his pass rushing ability and his versatility. He will look to fetch a huge contract on the open market that Houston doesn't need to match based on last seasons success. Other sure fire starters are on the market as well and could find new homes quickly today.

1. Mario Williams DESTINATION: Dallas Cowboys

2. Curtis Lofton DESTINATION: Denver Broncos 

3. Stephen Tulloch DESTINATION: Detroit Lions

4. Jarrett Johnson DESTINATION: Baltimore Ravens

5. Gary Brackett DESTINATION: Seattle Seahawks

The Cornerbacks

The Kansas City Chiefs decided to cut ties with Brandon Carr and allow him to hit the open market and let other teams outbid for his services. Along with Carr, teams looking to beef up their coverage could be looking for names like Cortland Finnegan, Jason Allen and Carlos Rogers.

1. Brandon Carr DESTINATION: Dallas Cowboys

2. Cortland Finnegan  DESTINATION: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

3. Jason Allen DESTINATION: Houston Texans

4. Carlos Rogers DESTINATION: San Francisco 49ers

5. Tracy Porter DESTINATION: Denver Broncos

The Safeties

The safety selection is another area that teams could find some great value from freakish athletes like LaRon Landry and steady veterans like Jim Leonhard. The increased push towards to the NFL becoming a predominantly passing league means that safeties need to be able to help over the top with coverage more than ever and these players fit the bill.

1. LaRon Landry DESTINATION: Philadelphia Eagles

2. Reggie Nelson DESTINATION: Cincinnati Bengals

3. Jim Leonhard DESTINATION: New York Jets

4. Melvin Bullitt DESTINATION: Denver Broncos

5. Dwight Lowery DESTINATION: Washington Redskins