NFL Rumors: Predicting Where Top Remaining Defensive Free Agents Will Land

The NFL's free-agency period is starting to settle down, but that doesn't mean the remaining pool doesn't contain a few players that continue to draw interest from the league. 

Below, we run down some of the top available defensive players and where recent talk has them signing or re-signing. 

LB David Hawthorne

Very likely the top defensive free agent left on the market, Hawthorne appears to be on his way back to Seattle for 2012. 

According to ESPN's John Clayton, who spoke with Brady Henderson of ESPN 710 in Seattle, Hawthorne might be close to re-signing with the Seahawks. 

"I would have to think he's going to probably to come back on a two- or three-year deal," Clayton told ESPN 710. "[I] wouldn't be surprised if they could get something done today. But I know that the communication has still been there from the Seahawks."

Just 26 years old, Hawthorne had 115 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions in 15 starts in 2011.

Prediction: Re-signs with Seattle for two years.

DE Dave Tollefson

Tollefson has made the free-agent rounds while drawing interest from the Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

He left a weekend visit in Green Bay without a deal, but the possibility still exists for Tollefson to get a deal done with the Packers.

However, that scenario would mean Tollefson has a position change ahead of him, as the Packers run a 3-4. Can he play outside linebacker on early downs? A better fit for Tollefson remains with a 4-3 defense. 

Prediction: Signs with Seattle for two years. 

LB London Fletcher

Despite remaining highly productive in his later years, the 37-year-old Fletcher hasn't garnered much attention on the free agent market. According to the Washington Post, the Redskins have resumed talking with Fletcher on returning for 2012.

“I’ve said this from day one: London is a team leader, a great player, and we want him back,” Shanahan told the Post.

A veteran with little other options, Fletcher is a good bet to return to Washington, even if the money isn't what he wants it to be.  

Prediction: Re-signs with Washington for one year.

DT Amobi Okoye

Still just 24 years old, the former first-round bust is taking his time finding a fit in free agency. According to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Tribune, Okoye is visiting with the Cincinnati Bengals this week.

Since free agency began, Okoye has also received interest from the Buccaneers, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears.

Okoye will be part of a rotation wherever he lands, so I'm not sure the depth chart has a huge say in his final destination. Money and comfort will point the way. 

Prediction: Signs with Cincinnati for two years.