2012 NFL Free Agents: Best Remaining Players Who NFL Teams Must Target

Every day, it seems that fewer and fewer free agents remain on the market, so those teams looking to fill some gaps before this year's NFL draft have to do it soon, before all the impact players are snatched up.

Among those unrestricted free agents left standing is Seahawks linebacker David Hawthorne, who has still been "talking regularly" with Seattle, according to MyNorthwest.com.

Hawthorne has led Seattle in tackles for three straight years and became a starter in 2009 when he made the team as an undrafted free agent. He was scheduled to meet with the Lions before they signed Stephen Tulloch, and he also had a visit with New Orleans (although it's hard to imagine that's an appealing destination for anyone at this point).

When Hawthorne can stay healthy, he ranks among the league's best inside linebackers. In 2011, the Texas Christian product started 14 games but played in 15, registering 115 tackles (73 solo), 2.0 sacks, three picks and one returned for a touchdown, all while playing through a knee injury.

Here are some other free agents who are still on the market and could make an impact in 2012:

Plaxico Burress, WR

Personal indiscretions aside, the wideout—who will be 35 by the start of the 2012 season—proved last year with the Jets that he still has some juice left in him. He started in 13 games but played in 16, registering 45 receptions for 612 yards and eight touchdowns, finishing third on the team behind Dustin Keller and Santonio Holmes.

At 6'5", his height is a luxury, and the 10-year veteran is reportedly drawing interest from the Texans, Bears and Rams, according to the Star-Ledger.

Marcus McNeill, LT

The two-time Pro Bowler has been tasked with protecting Philip Rivers' blind side for the past six years. After many years of success, he encountered some struggles in 2011, racking up nine penalties in nine games.

He also presents some concerns with regards to his injury history, as he had surgery on his neck in 2009. Still, he's the best left tackle available on the market, and he kept Rivers upright for the most part during his tenure in San Diego.