NFL Free Agency Preview: Jordan Gross, Carolina Panthers.

The free agency class of 2009 is chock-full of talent along the offensive line. But nobody, talent-wise, stands out the way that Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Jordan Gross does. The former eighth overall pick is finally flourishing.

His ability to dominate the NFL's speed rushers is almost unparalleled. Any team that thinks it is an offensive linemen away or is in need of a young, heavily talented linemen ( I hope you're listening, Joe Banner ) should pick up the phone and give this guy's agent a call.

The 27-year-old Gross is a very versatile lineman. He can play both the right and left tackle positions effectively. Durability is also a plus in Gross' game; in his six-year career, he has missed only a single game. I would say injuries are a very small worry, if at all.

Solid and experienced offensive linemen are hard to come by nowadays. The demand for Gross should be very high come February 27th. As I mentioned earlier, contenders who may think that their line could use an upgrade would probably be the most attractive suitors for Gross.

With that said, the departure of defensive end Julius Peppers makes Gross a top priority for Carolina. If Jordan leaves, Carolina will lose two of their top leaders from 2008.

Possible suitors:

Dallas 

Flozell Adams is a good player, but he is too inconsistent and commits way too many penalties. Maybe Jerry Jones takes a chance on upgrading his offensive line.

Philadelphia 

With aging tackles Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas headed for free agency, it is highly unlikely that the Eagles keep both of them. If the Eagles let both of them go, you can bet that they will be in the running for Gross.

Washington 

Unless the Redskins are sold on Stephon Heyer, they will likely make a play for Gross. Heyer was very inconsistent last year and he will be facing many questions going into 2009.

Pittsburgh

Big Ben was under a ton of pressure for most of the season. The Steelers should definitely be in the running for a top tackle.

St. Louis

Alex Barron might have played his final down in Blue and Gold. He has been a bust, plain and simple. 2008 had to be the breaking point for the Rams with Barron. His inconsistency and penalty issues may have run its course in the "Gateway to the West".

Oakland

JaMarcus Russell needs some help along the line. Now, the Raiders have a lot of needs on offense, but the line should be the biggest priority. No quarterback can be successful without a strong offensive line.