2012 NFL Free Agents: Best Players Still Available at Every Offensive Position

The crop of 2012 NFL free agents has been picked mostly dry, but there are still a few names available that should find teams before training camp. 

Below, we break down the best available players at every offensive position as of May 5. Restricted free agents and franchised players are not included.

QB: Vince Young (Philadelphia Eagles)

Young headlines a list of free-agent quarterbacks that is very underwhelming, but that's to be expected this deep into the offseason. While no longer considered starting-worthy, Young could win a backup role in camp for a team without a solidified No. 2. Young also has experience in that role. 

In six games and three starts last season in Philadelphia, Young threw for 866 yards, four touchdowns and nine interceptions for a 60.8 passer rating. The 28-year-old has a career mark of 74.1.

Also: John Beck, Dennis Dixon

RB: Tim Hightower (Washington Redskins)

There are bigger names than Hightower available, but no back on the open market has his combination of skills as a rusher and receiver. The risk lies in Hightower's knee, which the 25-year-old blew out during Week 7 last season.

If Hightower's recovery stays on schedule, there should be several teams lining up to sign a player that can contribute in a myriad of roles for any offense.

Also: Jackie Battle, Cedric Benson, Ryan Grant

FB: Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

The fullback market was always going to be thin this offseason, and that's reflected here in the best names remaining. Graham is one name to keep an eye on, as he possesses experience playing fullback, but also as a primary ball-carrier. He's on the comeback trail from injury, too, so teams may not bite until late summer.

Also: Mike Sellers

WR: Plaxico Burress (New York Jets)

I remain surprised about the complete lack of interest in Burress. While there's a checkered past and some various injury concerns, the soon-to-be 35-year-old still produced eight touchdowns last season in a run-heavy offense.

Burress is also a rare physical specimen at 6'5" and 235 pounds. Teams are always looking to upgrade their red zone packages, and I'm not sure there's a better option at receiver than Burress. I'd be shocked if he wasn't in somebody's camp by summer.

Also: Braylon Edwards, Mike Sims-Walker, Jacoby Jones

TE: Jeremy Shockey (Carolina Panthers)

Shockey caught a career-low 37 passes in 2011, but his numbers were expected to drop as the Panthers' No. 2 tight end behind Greg Olsen. He's also approaching 32 years old, so there's not much left in Shockey's career tank.

However, he's still a veteran at the position who isn't afraid to mix it up as an inline blocker or sit down in soft spots of zones as a receiver. Shockey could still play 500 snaps and catch 30-40 passes in the right offense next season.

Also: Reggie Kelly, Anthony Becht

OT: Marcus McNeill (San Diego Chargers) 

Back and neck injuries ravaged McNeill's once promising career as the Chargers' left tackle. San Diego cut him before the draft, but the market has been mostly quiet. Eventually, a team lacking depth at tackle will come knocking.

McNeill is just a year removed from being considered one of the game's most reliable blindside protectors. If he can pass a physical, he'll be on a roster in September. 

Also: Chad Clifton, Kareem McKenzie

OG: Jake Scott (Tennessee Titans)

The pickings at guard are slim, but Scott does bring 121 career starts to the free-agent table. Pro Football Focus has consistently awarded Scott above average grades for his work at right guard in Tennessee over the last several years, so there's value here.

Last season, Scott allowed just two sacks and one quarterback hit. 

Also: Montrae Holland, Eric Steinbach

C: Jason Brown (St. Louis Rams)

If there are still teams willing to take a flier on a veteran center with starting experience, there are options on the open market. Brown is arguably the best, even if his last two seasons in St. Louis were complete disasters. The 29-year-old has 91 career starts after starting his NFL career in Baltimore. 

Also: Jeff Faine, Casey Wiegmann