2012 NFL Free Agents: Analyzing Cedric Benson and the Best RBs Available

The NFL is undoubtedly a quarterback-driven league primarily focused on pass-oriented offenses. Well, a byproduct of that movement is defenses preparing less against the run.

In turn, this makes having a reliable ball-carrier that much more important and can provide a team with a distinct advantage. At the very least, offenses need to possess the ability to run the rock on an at-will basis, otherwise defenses will easily dominate one-dimensional opponents.

Here, let's take a look at the best available Brahma Bulls on the market.

Cedric Benson

His career may have gotten off to a slow start, but Cedric Benson revived himself in recent years.

Before joining the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008, Benson displayed promise as a solid back, but had yet to really hit that next level. Well, each of the past three seasons he's gained over 1,000 yards each year and scored a total of 19 touchdowns.

Benson still has trouble with consistency, but can get the job done when paired with a solid complement.

Any team needing a short-yard back who can burst quickly through the lane Benson will help, as his size benefits on the interior.

Brandon Jacobs

At the very least, Brandon Jacobs brings a great amount of postseason experience and success to the table for a franchise looking to take that next step.

With two Super Bowl rings and a consistent threat in the red zone, Jacobs would be great in a two or three-back set, just as he was in New York. Before Derrick Ward left, Jacobs was the main man for Big Blue and he had two 1,000-yard seasons in 2007 and 2008.

In the past two seasons, Jacobs has scored 16 rushing touchdowns, and he's a more dynamic receiving threat out of the backfield than he's given credit for.

For his career, Jacobs has caught 80 passes for 730 yards and scored four receiving touchdowns. Despite his size, Jacobs has great agility and acceleration, which has boded well in the trenches and when manned-up by linebackers.

Ryan Grant

One of the more underrated dual-threat backs in the game, Ryan Grant has spent five seasons with the Green Bay Packers and gained a lot of deserved notoriety as well.

Excluding the 2010 season where Grant was out due to injury, the man has averaged 1,174 total yards in four seasons. 2011, ironically, was Grant's best year of receiving with 268 yards on just 19 receptions; 10 of which were converted into first-downs.

Although it would be surprising for Grant to sign elsewhere, his versatility and pass-protection skills make him a complete and reliable back. He still has the potential to develop even more as a true No. 1 ball-carrier, because he did account for over 2,700 total yards between 2008 and 2009.

As a back who can get great yards after the catch, outrun defensive backs on the perimeter and isn't afraid to bowl over would-be tackles or block bigger pass-rushers, Ryan Grant above all else gives complete effort on every play.

Kevin Smith

More of a receiving back for the Detroit Lions, Kevin Smith took advantage of every opportunity placed in front of him.

What you get from Smith more than anything is a guy who will appreciate the chance to contribute. Despite being on the infamous 0-16 team in 2008 as a rookie, Smith amassed over 1,200 total yards and scored eight touchdowns.

In 2009, Smith only played in 13 games, but accounted for over 1,100 yards and five touchdowns. On such a horrendous team during those years, Kevin Smith was Detroit's most consistent performer outside of Calvin Johnson.

Getting another opportunity from the Motor City in 2011, Smith joined for the playoff push and gained 535 yards and scored seven touchdowns in seven games. The man simply wants to play and when healthy, he's clearly been a versatile threat who has gotten the job done.

John Rozum is on Twitter.