2012 NFL Free Agents: 6 Underrated Players Who Could Be Diamonds in the Rough

Besides Peyton Manning, Mario Williams will be the most sought-after agent this year. As you can see in the picture above, he has elite athleticism. But because of Houston's depth along the defensive front, he will likely play for another team in 2012, and get paid handsomely to do so.

But what about the rest of the free agents? There are players like Vincent Jackson, Ben Grubbs, Matt Flynn, Reggie Wayne and other high-profile prospects that teams will go after.

There are a handful of free agents that, while they might not get as much publicity as most free agents, could be among the most valuable signings this offseason.

Whether a player was stuck on a bad team, didn't get enough reps or hasn't realized their full potential, there are a bunch of players who could prove to be a diamond in the rough. I'm not saying these players have never been talked about, but I do think the attention they get is disproportionate to their performance.

Here are my top six underrated free agents that could end up paying huge dividends.

1. Reggie Nelson, Defensive Back

Reggie Nelson is a dynamic talent that has versatile secondary skills. He helped the Bengals finish with the seventh-best defense in 2011.

Youth, production and low cost is what has defined Nelson's NFL career to date. Although he's 28, he's only played in five NFL seasons, which suggests he has more mileage left than most 28-year-olds.

In 2011 he started every game for Cincinnati, racking up 85 combined tackles, 12 passes defensed, four interceptions, two sacks and two forced fumbles. What more can you ask of him? He's a big hitter with a nose for the ball that can cover as well.

The best part for potential suitors: Nelson has never made more than $1 million in base salary in his five NFL seasons. Unless I'm missing something, there is really good value here.

2. Robert Meachem, Wide Receiver

News today broke that Marques Colston signed a five-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. The deal will pay Colston a maximum of $40 million over those five years.

Like every other Saints wide receiver, Robert Meachem had to share targets. That's not an indictment on Meachem's talent, but rather a product of Sean Payton's offensive system.

With Colston in New Orleans for the foreseeable future, it's probable Meachem will want to explore his options in free agency.

His talent is evident (at least 40 receptions, 15.3 yards per reception and five touchdowns in each of the last three seasons). It's reasonable to think that with more passes thrown his way, his numbers will increase. However, if Meachem does relocate, there's an overwhelmingly chance he won't have Drew Brees passing him the ball, which could be a deterrent.

With his signing bonus, Meachem made $1.46 million last season. Considering his consistency and youth, he could make a good case he's worth at least double that.

A former Tennessee Volunteer that signs with the Tennessee Titans, that also has connections to New Orleans? Meachem and Peyton Manning? It could happen.

3. Paul Soliai, Defensive End

At 6'4", 355 pounds and 28 years old, Paul Soliai won't post eye-popping numbers, but he is a beast inside.

Soliai's primary job is to stop the run and take up blockers, and he does it very well. In 2011, Soliai helped the Dolphins rank third in run defense (95.6 rushing yards allowed per game) and third in rushing touchdowns allowed per game (eight).

According to Spotrac, Soliai made almost $12.4 million last season, which is obviously a huge number. However, he was worth it.

The question now is which team has cap room to sign the Dolphins' run-stuffer. Soliai is in his prime, has incredible size and strength and will likely look to secure his long-term future with his next contract.

4. Jim Leonhard, Defensive Back

Jim Leonhard is the consummate football player. He's always around the ball, as he will blitz, drop in coverage or even return kicks. Just ask Jets head coach Rex Ryan how valuable Leonhard is. Ryan has coached Leonhard for the last four years (2008-Baltimore, 2009-11, N.Y. Jets).

Since 2008, Leonhard has started in 53 of the 56 games he's played in. He's only 5'8", but so is Bob Sanders, a former All-Pro safety. Is Leonhard as good as Sanders was? No. But he's been able to secure a starting position on premier NFL defenses for the last four years.

The downside to signing Leonhard would be that he could get re-injured. In Week 14 of 2011, Leonhard tore his right patellar tendon, and was subsequently placed on injured reserve. In Week 13 of 2010, Leonhard broke his right shin during practice.

His most recent contract with the Jets paid him just under $2 million per season, which isn't a lot considering all Leonhard can do for a football team.

If he's healthy.

5. Jason Jones, Defensive End

Jason Jones, with bonuses, has yet to make $1 million in an NFL season. That will not likely be the case for much longer.

In his last two seasons in Tennessee, Jones has averaged 33 tackles, four passes defensed, three sacks and two forced fumbles. Coming in at No. 38 on Peter King's top 50 free agent list, Jones is a "disruptive presence inside" that seems to be continually improving.

Jones' strengths don't always yield big statistics, but general managers around the league have certainly noticed him. I'm not saying he'll get a massive contract this offseason, but he will be among the highest value players in free agency. At this point in his career, Jones is a bargain for whichever team ends up signing him.

6. Rocky McIntosh, Inside Linebacker

The Washington Redskins wouldn't be severely hampered if they let Rocky McIntosh play for another team, but they'd do well to re-sign him. In his six NFL seasons, all with the Redskins, McIntosh has played in every game except for three. He's played next to Pro Bowler London Fletcher for five of those six years, who is a fantastic player to learn from.

When healthy, McIntosh will make about 95 tackles per year and force a couple of fumbles. He's not Patrick Willis or Ray Lewis, but McIntosh is a good player who is worth having on your team.

He may not be the best defensive player available, but for only earning $685,000 last year, signing McIntosh is virtually a no-lose situation.