NFL Free Agents 2012: Which 5 Remaining Players Can Complete Your Team

In the NFL they say you can't buy a championship, but is that really true? After the 2005 season, Drew Brees hit free agency and it came down to Miami and New Orleans. Flash forward a few years later and Brees has a championship ring on his finger with a fleur de lis on it.

Unfortunately, the Drew Brees-level players (if they are around) go in the first wave of free agency for the huge dollars. The second wave just ended, which usually consists of guys that have been to some Pro Bowls, but are more than a year removed away from their last "great" season.

Now in wave three, situational players and players in less impact positions start to get signed. Every wave is needed on a championship team, and just because your team did or didn't sign some guys earlier, it doesn't mean there aren't players out there that can still help you.

This list will show some of the remaining players that can push your team to that next level.

5. David Hawthorne, Linebacker

Hawthorne already has 350 tackles, six sacks, five forced fumbles and seven interceptions in his short career as a linebacker. Don't misunderstand, he isn't the new generation of WLB that everyone needs to guard against the Joker tight ends. He is a tough, strong SLB/MLB that isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and fight through blockers to get to the ball.

That toughness should not be mistaken for brute force. Hawthorne also plays his game with finesse. He reads blocks well, and he looks quick enough to beat a pulling offensive lineman to the hole when he is playing a power-scheme offense. Last year, his production dipped because of injuries, but after an offseason of rest I expect him to come back strong and hungry.

The Seahawks should really try to re-sign him considering the tough run games they will have to face, but I expect the offers will soon start pouring in and he will have his choice of five or six teams. If your team struggled in the run game and needs someone with a mean disposition, keep your eyes open for this young defender.

4. Braylon Edwards, Wide Receiver

Edwards is a 6'3" wide receiver with stellar potential. Unfortunately injuries, bad quarterbacks and an unfortunate habit of dropping the ball have kept him from having solid production anywhere. In his seven-year career, arguably the best quarterback he has had was Mark Sanchez. Now, I know everyone is not Peyton Manning, but you have to cut Braylon some slack here.

Over his career, Edwards has never averaged less than 12 yards a catch. Imagine if you will, that you are the Broncos, Titans, Patriots or any other number of teams with good quarterback situations. Now imagine throwing Edwards in there. Tell me that you don't think he would be a significant weapon in your offense.

I'm not saying that you should break the bank for him, and he likely won't put up a 1,000 yards, but what he will do is draw coverage away from your other players and provide blocking in the run game. What else do you want?

3. Shaun Rogers, Run-Stuffing Defensive Tackle

Rogers is a mammoth in the middle. Pardon the alliteration. He is huge and he knows how to use his strength and power to dominate opposing offensive lines. He is the answer to a team that needs to fix its weak interior defensive line.

If you are Broncos, Colts or Panthers fan, listen up. Rogers isn't an explosive up-the-field pass rusher, and no one will confuse him and JPP out on the field. He won't wow you with his elite agility, but that isn't what you buy him for.

For a low fee, you can have Mr. Rogers come onto your defensive line, grab opposing centers and drive them back into the quarterback's lap or the running back's face. There may not be a center in this league outside of Mangold himself that could hold his own with No. 92 for a whole game.

Like I said, you are on the clock Broncos, Colts and Panthers. And if you are a 3-4 team, he isn't a bad nose either. Pssst....Kansas City, that was for you.

2. Andre Carter, Defensive End

Does your team need a defensive end? Do they play a 4-3? Could they use a veteran presence to mentor young talent? Well look no farther than Andre Carter.

Carter has been miscast for years in a 3-4 defensive system that doesn't make good use of his assets. He plays low and he holds the edge very well, especially for a pass rusher. I classify him as a pass rusher because he averages just under seven sacks a season and that is with several years playing in the wrong system.

The big concern that has kept him on the market this long is that he suffered a knee injury late last year. That, along with with his age, will make some teams wary, and I am sure that he will want a multi-year deal since this could very well be the last contract of his career. However, he is worth the risk if you are a team that missed out on the playoffs because of little production from the defensive end position.

Two teams immediately come to mind, the Titans and the Seahawks.

1. Demetrius Bell, Left Tackle

Bell is a possible franchise left tackle, however, he was injured after six games last year and seems to want a bigger check than teams are willing to pay. Based on his play though, he can be a huge upgrade to some teams.

He has nice, quick feet and the speed to keep up with most of the speed rushers in this league. He also weighs a solid 310 pounds and plays like he is bigger. Even if power rushers get into his pads, he has the strength to anchor them and put their feet in concrete.

Bell's a sufficient run blocker who's quick enough to get inside leverage on a defender during stretch plays. He can also attack a defensive end in a downhill run-heavy offense. Unfortunately, he stands up a lot and isn't overly aggressive or impressive in any part of the running game.

If your team needs a LT and can't reach Kalil in the draft, then this could be your answer.