NFL Free Agents 2012: Projecting the Best Offensive Role Players Available

Having key role players to an offense is vital to keeping a defense off balance and on its heels throughout the course of a game.

Whether it's a change of pace/third-down running back, No. 3 receiver, or the versatility of a guy like Brad Smith, winning the chess-match is what wins field position. Here, we project where the best available role players will land before the 2012 season.

Dallas Cowboys: Jerricho Cotchery, WR

Through his first seven seasons, Jerricho Cotchery was a productive receiver for the New York Jets. From 2006-09 he performed his best as he averaged 73 catches for 942 yards and scored a total of 16 times during that four-year span.

Since though, Cotchery has been downgraded but still has a lot to provide for an offense. Dallas is the best fit as he'll reap great benefits lining up alongside Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Jason Witten.

Cotchery is only turning 30 years old before the season, so he can be reliable against single coverage and in the red zone. The Cowboys can use him in the slot opposite of Witten while Austin and Bryant are on the outside.

Talk about a solid four-wide set with running back DeMarco Murray in the backfield.

Oakland Raiders: Justin Forsett, RB

Combined between 2009 and 2010, Justin Forsett averaged 872 total yards and scored seven touchdowns. But, with Marshawn Lynch going beast-mode all day in Seattle, Forsett rarely saw the rock in 2011.

There, he just accounted for 273 total yards and one touchdown. The good news is that Forsett is only 26 years old, so he can provide a few years (at the very least) as a utility back. The Oakland Raiders need to fill that void to complement Darren McFadden and Forsett can help.

Even in a restricted role to being a third-down back is fine, because Forsett can be another option on kickoff and punt returns. During his first two seasons in 2008 and 2009, Forsett compiled 854 kickoff return yards and 355 punt return yards.

He won't be an every-down contributor in Oakland, but Forsett can help change the pace to mix up the playbook. After all, he converted 75 first-downs through 2009 and 2010.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Legedu Naanee, WR

After not seeing much playing time through his first two years, Legedu Naanee contributed more in 2009, 2010 and 2011 with 91 catches for 1,080 yards and four touchdowns. Obviously not remarkable numbers by any means, but Naanee's that No. 3 role player an offense needs.

Getting overshadowed by Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Gregg Olsen in Carolina's receiving game, Naanee had his best season with 44 catches for 467 yards.

The Jaguars need a guy of Naanee's reliability to complete Laurent Robinson and tight end Marcedes Lewis. Provided that Jacksonville also selects a potential No. 1 receiver via the draft, Blaine Gabbert will finally have some decent talent around him and Maurice Jones-Drew.

Courtesy of his size and leaping ability, Naanee can really take his career to the next level in Jacksonville.

Denver Broncos: Tim Hightower, RB

In three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Tim Hightower accounted for over 1,700 rushing yards and scored 23 touchdowns on the ground. His dynamic as a receiving back, though, is arguably more impressive.

While in Arizona, Hightower caught 118 passes for 801 yards and fumbled just twice. Before his 2011 season was cut short, Hightower had already compiled almost 400 total yards through five games in Washington.

He's an idealistic fit for the Broncos as Denver needs a No. 2/third-down back to contribute when Willis McGahee comes out. Hightower will be an excellent safety outlet for Peyton Manning on check downs and his presence will setup screens and play-action as well.

Given that Hightower will only be 25 years old before next season, Denver needs a young ball-carrier who's proven consistency in the league fields a more balanced offense.

John Rozum on Twitter.