2012 NFL Free Agents: Predicting Where Top Available Defensive Players Will Land

NFL free agency has started out with a bang, but there's still plenty of big names on the market. Here's a look at the best defensive players available and predictions as to where they'll land. 

Mario Williams, DE

Despite coming off an injury that caused him to miss most of the season, Williams remains one of the most highly sought-after players on the market.

Whether a team wants him as an OLB in a 3-4 system or DE in a 4-3, he'll be able to get to the quarterback with absolute ferocity.

Injury concerns shouldn't stop Williams from getting max money, and whoever gets him will have to pony up. Seattle has a ton of available money. The 'Hawks won't regret it. 

Prediction: Seattle Seahawks

Cortland Finnegan, CB

He might be most known for fighting with Andre Johnson, but Finnegan can absolutely shut down opposing receivers.

Finnegan, who recorded one interception in 2011 (one of the most mistelling stats in the NFL), is able to play on the outside or in the slot. His versatility is unmatched.

Don't be surprised if he follows Jeff Fisher, who coached Finnegan in Tennessee for five years, to St. Louis.

Prediction: St. Louis Rams

John Abraham, DE

Abraham turns 34 in May, but he continues to abuse offensive lines and get to the quarterback. He played 15 games in 2011 and managed to record 9.5 sacks. He's far from the down slope of his career.

Still, though, the fact he wants somewhere around $12 million per year might be a little over the top. I wouldn't be surprised if Abraham is a free agent for a long time.

Prediction: Tennessee Titans

Brandon Carr, CB

Carr had a terrific 2011 for the Kansas City Chiefs as he pulled in four interceptions and provided tight coverage opposite Brandon Flowers.

Still, Pro Football Focus points out a valid concern: "Some view Carr as the top corner on the market. Others see him as purely a No. 2 type who can’t be trusted to go up against top receivers. Capable of playing very well, his best games tend to come against the worst quarterbacks. That is always a worrying trend."

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys