2012 NFL Free Agents: Power Ranking Best Players Remaining on Market

There aren't many players left in the draft that will provide NFL teams with the immediate impact they covet. That means the free-agent market should start heating up again soon with teams looking to fill holes before next season.

Let's take a look at the three best players still available. It shouldn't be long before needy teams start getting in touch with them and there's no reason to believe they won't be solid contributors.

1. O.J. Atogwe

Mark Barron getting drafted with the seventh overall pick shows how weak the safety position is around the NFL. Barron's a solid player, but his stock skyrocketed because so many teams wanted him. While Atogwe doesn't have the same level of hype, he can still help a secondary.

He racked up 60 tackles and picked off three passes last season despite playing in just 13 games. The Stanford product won't be as effective as he was during his prime, but he's still a better option than throwing an inexperienced player into the fray.

Atogwe would be a reliable veteran presence that can hold down the fort for a season or two. He can also help a younger safety learn the ropes, making him a nice asset to have.

2. Marcus McNeill

Once a dominant left tackle, McNeill has lost some of his agility in recent seasons. That said, he's a two-time Pro Bowler that still has more than enough ability to protect a quarterback's blindside. He'd still provide a lot of value as a short-term option.

Every season it seems like there are a handful of teams that allow porous offensive lines ruin their season instead of opening up the checkbook to make improvements. With so many specialty defensive players nowadays to rush the passer, it's difficult to keep pace without two solid tackles.

McNeill won't be the anchor he was a couple seasons ago, but he's still playing at a starter's level. Some team would be wise to pick him up before it's too late because the other tackle options are weak.

3. Channing Crowder

Crowder has been out of the spotlight for a couple years, but he's attempting a comeback after giving his body a chance to get back to full strength. He was a force at linebacker in 2008, when he racked up 113 tackles, before injuries started to plague him.

While there are obvious risks involved with signing a player who sat out an entire season, there's also plenty of upside. It's another weak draft position, so Crowder should be the top choice for teams that didn't land Luke Kuechly or Dont'a Hightower.

It's not like Crowder is a typical over-the-hill player attempting to recapture past glory. He's only 28 years old and shouldn't have much trouble playing at a high level again once he gets back up to speed.