2012 NFL Free Agents: Power Ranking Best Available Defensive Players

No Mario Williams, no problem. The stud defensive end may be off the market, but there are still plenty of capable free agents left on that side of the ball.

Let's take a look at the best of the best still available.

3. Brodrick Bunkley, DT

Bunkley isn't an every-down player, as he's close to useless on passing downs. But on running plays, Bunkley is about as good as it gets as far as defensive tackles go.

According to Pro Football Focus, 11.3 percent of running plays Bunkley was a part of resulted in him making a defensive stop. That was the most of any defensive tackle.

Any team looking to improve its run defense could easily start by putting the 29-year-old in the middle of its D-line. 

2. Curtis Lofton, LB

Lofton is an absolute tackling machine, as evidenced by his 147 tackles in 2011. He has been criticized, however, for his lack of ability to make plays in the backfield and lack of ability to play in coverage effectively.

Despite his value being limited because of those things, Lofton is seriously talented and can instantly step in as the leader of almost any defense. 

1. Stephen Tulloch, LB

Tulloch had a tremendous 2011 in his first year with the Detroit Lions. Not only did he record 111 total tackles, he proved he can contribute in all aspects of the game.

The six-year veteran added three sacks, three fumbles recovered and two interceptions to go along with five passes deflected. 

He tackles, he gets in the backfield and he plays in coverage. That's versatility that most teams will be happy to pay for, and they'll have to.

The 27-year-old isn't going to come cheap. 

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