2012 NFL Free Agents: Top Remaining Instant-Impact Players

The thoroughly picked-over free-agent pool still features some players that have a talent to make a big impact. 

These are players, that if they find the right system and can stay healthy, can play a huge role in the upcoming season. Here are the four best. 

Marcus McNeill, OT

McNeill has a nice resume of good left tackle play. He is also only 28. However, he has an injury concern. 

He injured his neck in Week 10 last season and was not able to return to action. He also had a previous neck surgery in 2008. 

Any team signing McNeill will want to give him a thorough physical before doing so, but at some point, you have to believe he will be able to pass that physical, and when he does, he is an extremely valuable offensive lineman. 

Jonathan Goff, LB

Goff missed the entire 2011 season with a torn ACL. Prior to that, the 26-year-old was the Giants' starting middle linebacker, and a solid one at that. 

He is not the type of LB that relied on amazing athleticism to excel. He is a very instinctive and strong player. He is an excellent tackler, and has a nose for the ball. 

Those skills will help him quickly bounce back from his injury. Goff is a starting-caliber MLB. 

Matt Roth, DE

Matt Roth's concussions are a real concern. Any team that signs him will do so knowing that at some point, he is likely going to suffer another one, and will miss more and more time because of it. 

This makes relying on Roth a giant gamble that is not worth undertaking. However, a team that brings him in and sees any production from him as a bonus will benefit greatly. 

Roth is an excellent player and is easily a starting-caliber talent when he is able to take the field. 

E.J. Henderson, ILB

At 31, Father Time has stripped Henderson of much of his playmaking ability. He is still capable of being a consistent and reliable performer, though. 

He has played in 16 games in each of the last two seasons, and recorded 105 and 109 tackles in those seasons. 

Last year, Henderson also had two sacks and three forced fumbles. This is a smart linebacker and a good leader. He would be a nice addition to any team.