NFL Free Agents 2012: Riskiest Offensive Players on the Market

In the offensive-oriented NFL, it's never a wrong decision to try and become a more explosive or dynamic team. After all, putting up points is what playing offense comes down to, but adding the right pieces is where steps are taken.

Therefore, with what's left on the market in free agency, here are the riskiest offensive players to be aware of.

Cadillac Williams, RB

A Top Five pick back in 2005, Cadillac Williams has supremely disappointed throughout his NFL career. Having been hit by injuries on more than one occasion, Williams has just topped over 1,000 yards one time (rookie season).

After playing for Tampa Bay from 2005-10, Williams served as the No. 2 ball-carrier behind Steven Jackson in St. Louis last season. There, Williams accounted for just 454 total yards and one touchdown in 11 games played.

Turning 30 years old before next season, Williams can still be a serviceable No. 2 back but has yet to display consistent durability and reliability.

Roy Williams, WR

Much like Cadillac Williams, Roy Williams was a Top 10 selection in the NFL draft and has had a lackluster career. The difference, however, is that Roy hasn't been struck by the injury bug and just underperformed.

In 2006, Williams had his only 1,000-plus yard season, and it's also been the only year where he's played in all 16 games. In 2007, it was turning out to be an excellent season with 838 yards on 64 catches, including five scores through 12 games—but was cut short due to injury.

Since, Williams hasn't come close to 1,000 yards or 50 receptions (596 yards on 38 catches in 2009). Although he's a seasoned-veteran, Williams will be fortunate to get a No. 3 receiver opportunity for 2012.

Mark Clayton, WR

Another former first-round selection, Mark Clayton had a decent career when with the Baltimore Ravens from 2005-09. During that five-year span, Clayton averaged 46 receptions for 623 yards and scored a total of 12 touchdowns.

Now, these numbers aren't indicative of a dominant No. 1 receiver, but they could be a lot worse. When 2010 happened, though, that's when Clayton's career began to really decline. In the past two seasons, he has played in just seven games and caught 26 passes for only 332 yards on two touchdowns.

Still, he's only turning 30 years old before the 2012 season kicks off so it wouldn't be surprising to see Clayton get another opportunity. But, that opportunity will likely come in an extremely limited role as injury concerns have plagued him the past two seasons.

Ronnie Brown, RB

The second overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft, Ronnie Brown's career got off to a solid start. Through his first four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Brown averaged 1,146 total yards and scored 25 touchdowns.

When the 2009 season began, however, Brown's production slowly declined because of injuries, and despite gaining 976 total yards in 2010, he had a career-low 3.7 yards per carry average and scored just five touchdowns.

Joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011, Brown rarely saw the field on a consistent basis and had just 136 rushing yards and one touchdown. Brown undoubtedly has proven the ability to be a dynamic back in the league, but injuries have cost him a lot more production than anticipated.

As for 2012, it wouldn't be surprising to see him get an opportunity, however, not as a No. 1 ball-carrier.

John Rozum on Twitter.