2012 NFL Free Agents: Projecting Mario Manningham and Under-the-Radar Agents

With so much interest surrounding Peyton Manning, Vincent Jackson and Mario Williams, there are quite a few free agents that are going under-the-radar.

Therefore, let's take a look at some who would be solid acquisitions this offseason. 

Mario Manningham, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If Mario Manningham wants to go somewhere and be the immediate No. 1 receiver—look no further than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bucs, for one, desperately need a play-making receiver like Manningham, and quarterback Josh Freeman would welcome him. Tampa also can afford to pay him nicely, and Manningham would have a No. 2 receiver in Preston Parker as a solid complement.

Last season, the Bucs finish ranked No. 16 in passing offense with almost 230 yards per game. Along with tight end Kellen Winslow, Parker and Freeman's mobility, Manningham would be the main man in an improved offense.

Jason Campbell, Seattle Seahawks

A lot of where Matt Flynn ends up will determine the interest of Jason Campbell. Although it's an argument that Seattle may be Flynn's best fit, it would be a surprising acquisition, considering that his former offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin, is the Miami Dolphins' head coach.

So, provided that Peyton Manning does not end up in Miami, it's reasonable to suspect that that's where Flynn ends up. Which then brings us back to Campbell, who Bill Williamson of ESPN believes is a good pickup this offseason.

Lest we forget, before joining the Raiders in 2010, Campbell tossed for over 3,200 yards in 2008 and over 3,600 yards in 2009 with Washington, as well as 33 touchdowns to just 21 picks.

Seattle is just the best fit as well, because Campbell has proven to be great when backed by a sound run game. Not only do the Seahawks provide that, but they also provide a defense and a promising receiving corps.

Then there's Zach Miller, who is arguably the most underrated tight end in the game.

Brandon Meriweather, Cleveland Browns

In 2009 and 2010, Brandon Meriweather was selected to two consecutive Pro Bowl rosters, as part of the New England Patriots. He was then released, but then played 11 games for the Chicago Bears in 2011.

Looking ahead to 2012, if Meriweather gets an opportunity, he will produce. From 2008 through 2010, the man recorded 12 picks, defended 24 total passes, forced four fumbles and made 234 tackles.

Here, the Cleveland Browns need to make an offer because despite ranking No. 2 in pass defense, they have just one legit defensive back in Joe Haden. Meriweather would provide run support as a roll down safety and has a field awareness to make plays against the intermediate passing game.

Cleveland needs a proven safety who can also sit back deep and read, which in turn, will take even more pressure off the front seven. Not to mention, the Browns also only defended 469 passes all of last season (second-least only to Kansas City's 454).

Wesley Woodyard, Denver Broncos

Regardless of what happens with the Denver Broncos' quarterback situation, The Orange Crush must re-sign linebacker Wesley Woodyard.

For one, the man led the team with 97 tackles in 2011 and forced three fumbles in 15 games played. So, Woodyard has proven his value as a solid defender and with Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil also in the front seven, the Broncos have much to expect next fall.

In addition, Woodyard must get retained as fellow linebacker D.J. Williams and defensive lineman Ryan McBean may miss some time early in the year. According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, both players have been suspended:

"

The two Broncos defensive players filed suit Monday against the NFL in Denver District Court. The action seeks to vacate the league's ruling that Williams and McBean were in violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy.

The league slapped each player with a six-game suspension without pay for allegedly substituting a nonhuman specimen during their urine tests taken in August.

"

Therefore, the Broncos can't take any chances in letting Woodyard go elsewhere. Because, if neither Williams or McBean get the suspension reduced, Denver will need a guy who they trust and have confidence in to keep the defense rolling.

And that guy is Wesley Woodyard.

John Rozum on Twitter.