NFL Free Agents 2012: The Top 5 Players at Every Position Still Available

The NFL's 2012 free agency period has officially been active for almost two months, which has proven to be more than enough time for the 32 franchises to pick the best available players (mostly) clean. 

But considering the 2012 NFL Draft is in the books, teams have few other options now than free agency to fill any remaining holes on their rosters. With training camps 2.5 months away, GMs will have time to sort through what's left of free agency to find organizational fits.  

With that in mind, we decided to help run down the best remaining free agents. In the following slides, we'll break down the five best remaining players at each of the following positions: quarterback, running back, receiver, tight end, offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties and specialists. 

Quarterback

1. Vince Young (2011 team: Philadelphia Eagles)

Young represents the top of a weak remaining class of quarterback free agents. He compiled a 60.8 passer rating in nine games last season and has just a 57.9 career completion percentage.

For a team in need of competition for a backup, Young might make sense.

2. John Beck (Washington Redskins)

Beck started three games for the Redskins after taking over for Rex Grossman in Week 7. He threw four picks and was sacked 16 times, finishing the season with a passer rating of just 72.1.

Washington was 0-4 in games he played.

3. Dennis Dixon (Pittsburgh Steelers)

In four years with the Steelers, the 27-year-old Dixon started three games, but threw for just 402 total yards. He has decent size (6'3", 210 lbs.) and athleticism out of the pocket, so there is value in bringing him in to compete for a backup role. 

4. Billy Volek (San Diego Chargers)

Volek is 36 years old and hasn't started an NFL game since 2005, but he's been stuck behind the ultra-reliable Philip Rivers in San Diego.

At the very least, Volek is a veteran at the position who wouldn't mind being a No. 2 or No. 3 option on the depth chart, especially for a team that's young at quarterback.

5. Donovan McNabb (Minnesota Vikings)

McNabb's inclusion on this list is indicative of just how shallow the quarterback pool really is. After flaming out with the Vikings in 2011, McNabb received little-to-no interest as a free agent.

More than likely, he'll get pushed along into retirement. 

Running Back

1. Tim Hightower (Washington Redskins)

No remaining running back in free agency offers the kind of versatility and youth Hightower does, as he is still just 25 years old.

However, the concern with him is his surgically repaired knee. Hightower blew out his ACL in 2011 and remains on the comeback trail. His ability to run between the tackles and to provide an impact in the passing game will draw interest once he's 100 percent, though.

2. Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers)

It seems like Grant has been around forever, but he actually has less miles on his tires than most running backs pushing 30 years old.

A platoon player with James Starks last season, Grant showed that he still has some explosion as a one-cut-and-go style of running back. He's solid in pass protection, too.  

3. Cedric Benson (Cincinnati Bengals)

The fact that a running back with three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons is still on the market again shows the lacking emphasis on the position in today's NFL.

Benson's past off-the-field problems also hurt his chances of finding a secure job. Still, he's a veteran who produces and stays on the field injury-wise.

4. LaDainian Tomlinson (New York Jets)

Tomlinson is as close to retirement as an aging back could be, but he may still entertain an offer in the right circumstance.

And that team might need to be more pass-heavy, as Tomlinson's ability as a runner has diminished. He could still play a part as a pass-catcher on third down, though.

5. Ryan Torain (Washington Redskins)

Torain has struggled to stay healthy his entire NFL career, but the 25-year-old is still a punishing runner who could win a roster spot.

Also keep in mind that Torain is just a year removed from posting 742 yards and a 4.5 yards per carry average in eight 2010 starts. 

Wide Receiver

1. Plaxico Burress (New York Jets)

Burress is 35 years old and has an infamous off-the-field incident that knocks his value.

But for a 6'5" receiver who caught eight touchdowns in a run-heavy offense last year, what's the risk? Burress is an elite threat in the red zone, and teams are always looking for ways to improve that package. 

2. Jacoby Jones (Houston Texans)

Jones' inconsistency when called upon as a starter and a horrid playoff game in Baltimore cost him his job as a member of the Texans.

However, Jones is still relatively young and can contribute as both a sub-package receiver and a dynamic returner. Teams are already starting to bring him in for visits.

UPDATE: Jones signed with the Baltimore Ravens Tuesday afternoon. 

3. Braylon Edwards (San Francisco 49ers)

Injuries wrecked Edwards' chance at making an impact in San Francisco, and he was cut by the team before making any kind of measurable impact. He needs to find a good fit organizationally—the Jets and Texans make the most sense.

4. Roy Williams (Chicago Bears)

The Bears had big plans for Williams in 2011, but he only caught 37 passes for the club last season, and then received zero interest from the team in a return gig.

Williams is no stranger to being a letdown, as his entire time in Dallas was mostly a waste.

5. Terrell Owens (Cincinnati Bengals)

Truth be told, the receiver market gets awfully thin after Williams, but think about Owens for just a second.

If a team was desperate for help at the position, would Owens be any more of a risk on the field than anyone else listed above? Even at his age, Owens is in better physical shape than most in the league, and he wouldn't be costing a lot of money.

Tight End

1. Jeremy Shockey (Carolina Panthers)

Gone are the days of Shockey being a major factor in the passing game, but he's still plenty capable of catching 30-40 passes as a team's No. 2 tight end. He's also a willing in-line blocker.

If Shockey's smart, he'll do what he can to return with Carolina and Cam Newton.

2. Visanthe Shiancoe (Minnesota Vikings)

Two or three years ago, Shiancoe was in the discussion as one of the top pass-catching tight ends.

In 2012, however, he's become nothing more than a backup for a team that needs depth at the position.

Nearing age 32, Shiancoe can no longer win on the vertical seams. 

3. Bo Scaife (Cincinnati Bengals)

A shoulder injury cost Scaife the entire 2011 season, which would have marked his first with the Bengals. In 2010 with the Titans, Scaife caught almost 40 passes with four touchdowns. 

4. Dallas Clark (Indianapolis Colts)

Clark's demise was summed up when the Broncos passed on his services after they signed Peyton Manning early this spring. Injuries, along with a declining skill set as both a pass-catcher and blocker, may lead Clark into retirement. 

5. Billy Bajema (St. Louis Rams)

The tight end position isn't all pass-catching, even if the Jermichael Finley's and Jimmy Graham's of the world make it appear that way.

There's also blocking, and Bajema may be the best available at holding his ground in that area. He can also line up as a fullback.

Offensive Line

1. T Marcus McNeill (San Diego Chargers)

Back and neck injuries robbed McNeill of his job in San Diego and also of any free-agent interest this spring.

At this point, it may be hard for him to pass a physical, but if healthy, the 28-year-old McNeill is arguably the safest bet of any remaining free agent. Remember, he is just a year or two removed from being considered one of the more reliable left tackles in football. 

2. T Kareem McKenzie (New York Giants)

You wouldn't think a starting tackle on a Super Bowl-winning team from the year prior would last long on the free-agent market, but that just so happens to be the case for McKenzie.

There's no doubt he struggled for long stretches last season,—most of 2011, actually—but he's capable of playing several offensive line positions and obviously has his share of playoff experience. 

3. T Chad Clifton (Green Bay Packers)

Clifton joins McKenzie as a former Super Bowl-winning left tackle on the open market.

A back injury caused Clifton to fail his physical in Green Bay, but the Packers were already looking at his high cap number for 2012 with a watchful eye. If he's healthy, however, and a team can convince him to keep playing near the veteran's minimum, Clifton is a solid option as depth at an important position. 

4. G Jake Scott (Tennessee Titans)

There's nothing flashy to Scott's game, but it's hard to overlook the 121 career starts he's made over eight NFL seasons; only once (his rookie season) has Scott not played in all 16 games.

Experienced and reliable, Scott should find a roster.

5. C Jason Brown (St. Louis Rams)

Brown's career went in steady decline once he signed a big deal with the Rams in 2009, but there's still value in the experience he brings to the position.

Brown might just need a fresh start, too.

At the right price, a team could be getting a starting-quality interior lineman. 

Defensive Line

1. Aubrayo Franklin (New Orleans Saints)

Just a year ago, Franklin was one of the hottest defensive tackles available on the market. He tanked as a member of the Saints in 2011, though, and no team has gotten seriously interested in adding him so far this offseason.

Getting back to a 3-4 defense, where Franklin can be the disruptive, two-down run-stuffer he was in San Francisco, is a must. 

2. Matt Roth (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Roth had his share of interest on the free-agent market last season, too. But after a concussion ended his 2011 season in Jacksonville, teams have been wary of giving him another look.

If he's over the head problems, Roth can be a productive, rotational pass-rusher at defensive end.

3. Andre Carter (New England Patriots)

Carter's torn quad is obviously a big worry, and without it, he's either at the top of this list or signed with an NFL club already.

If Carter can get back to 100 percent by the end of summer, teams should eventually bite. He put up 10 sacks in just 14 games with the Patriots in 2011.

4. John Henderson (Oakland Raiders)

Few players in the NFL are as massive as Henderson, who stands 6'7" and weighs near 340 pounds.

The Raiders let him go this offseason after Al Davis gave him $8 million over two years the summer before. When he's healthy, though, Henderson can be a useful run-stopper in a 4-3 defense.

5. Albert Haynesworth (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

I'm sure the people who scoffed at Terrell Owens being included at receiver will do the same for Haynesworth's inclusion at defensive line.

But when he's right—and that hasn't been often recently—Haynesworth can still be a force inside. Somehow, someway, the right locker room has to light a fire under the guy for Haynesworth to justify being included on this list. 

Linebacker

1. E.J. Henderson (Minnesota Vikings)

E.J.'s younger brother, Erin, has passed him in skill level and rightfully earned his extension in Minnesota.

E.J. hasn't been as lucky.

The Vikings wanted to get younger on defense, and E.J. struggled against the pass in 2011. He'll still play the run as well as anyone on this list, though, so there's some value left.

2. Reggie Torbor (Buffalo Bills) 

A history of shoulder problems has cost Torbor any chance of securing a starting job.

But while he was in Buffalo—and before his latest shoulder ailment—Torbor was contributing as a starter at both outside and inside linebacker. Teams with a 4-3 and 3-4 defense could be interested. 

3. Travis LaBoy (San Diego Chargers)

The Chargers cut LaBoy loose after upgrading their 3-4 outside linebackers during the draft and free agency.

Nearing age 31, LaBoy can still provide a spark as a situational pass-rusher. He tallied six sacks over the last two seasons.

4. Gary Brackett (Indianapolis Colts)

Once a stalwart in the middle of the Colts defense, Brackett was cut by Indianapolis as part of their defensive transition to the 3-4.

Brackett's season-ending shoulder injury in 2011 didn't help his cause, either.

All he can hope for now is a chance to be a veteran backup in a 4-3 front. 

5. Clark Haggans (Arizona Cardinals)

At 35 years old, Haggans doesn't have much left in the NFL tank. While his skill sets have regressed to non-starting quality, he's still a valuable guy to have in the locker room for his leadership and toughness.

A young linebacker group would benefit from having Haggans around. 

Cornerback

1. Drayton Florence (Buffalo Bills)

Florence had arguably the worst season of his NFL career in 2011, and the Bills' selection of Stephon Gilmore in the first round ensured that he wouldn't be playing many snaps next season.

But now that his price range will be considerably lower, Florence would make sense for a number of teams as a nickel corner.

2. Leigh Bodden (New England Patriots)

Back surgery has his 2012 season in doubt, and teams will tread carefully knowing Bodden doesn't yet have a good grasp on whether or not a 16-game grind is in the cards.

But if he's healthy, the 30-year-old Bodden could play a role as a No. 3 or No. 4 cornerback next season. 

3. Bryant McFadden (Pittsburgh Steelers)

At 32 years old and the target of most opposing quarterbacks last season, McFadden saw his name drop to No. 4 on the Steelers' cornerback depth chart in 2011. Pittsburgh cut McFadden loose to save cap room this offseason.

He needs a change of scenery, but McFadden's ceiling might be nothing more than as a nickel back.

4. Chris Johnson (Oakland Raiders)

Johnson started 29 games for the Raiders over the last three seasons, but new GM Reggie McKenzie couldn't justify keeping the 32-year-old on the roster at his price.

Now that he's going to be dirt cheap, Johnson is worth a camp invite. 

5. Kelly Jennings (Cincinnati Bengals)

The Seahawks dealt Jennings to Cincinnati during the preseason in 2011, and he went on to help fill in following injuries to Adam Jones and Leon Hall.

Jennings won't be 30 until November, so there might be some life left in his legs moving forward.

Safety

1. Nick Collins (Green Bay Packers)

The Packers never felt comfortable returning a safety who underwent spinal fusion surgery to repair a bulging disc suffered in Week 2 last season.

Other teams may be more willing to give Collins a chance, though, especially considering the track record of players returning from the surgery. The ball is in Collins' court on whether or not he wants to return.

2. Jim Leonhard (New York Jets)

Various leg injuries have robbed Leonhard of big chunks of the last two seasons, not to mention the Jets of their emotional leader in the secondary.

Once Leonhard gets back to 100 percent later in the offseason, teams will start calling. He's solid in most aspects of safety play despite his size limitations. 

3. Yeremiah Bell (Miami Dolphins)

Bell was a starter for six years before the Dolphins released the 34-year-old last month. He's solid as a run-stuffer and playing in the box, but his coverage skills are far below what teams now need at the position.

Bell might find it hard to find a starting opportunity. 

4. O.J. Atogwe (Washington Redskins)

Once considered a quality signing for the Redskins, Atogwe suffered through an injury-plagued 2011 season and was later benched for poor play. Few teams will consider him capable of starting at safety, but he's a veteran insurance policy at the position.

5. Chris Hope (Tennessee Titans)

After starting more than 50 straight games for the Titans, Hope's starts dropped to just two in 2011.

At 31 years old, he no longer can be counted on as a starter. Hope tallied just 25 tackles and one interception in a reserve role last season.

Specialists (Kicker, Punter, Long Snapper)

1. K Ryan Longwell (Minnesota Vikings)

Minnesota is turning to rookie Blair Walsh to handle the kicking duties, which made the pricey Longwell expendable.

At his age, the leg power just isn't there. 

2. K Dave Rayner (Buffalo Bills)

In a fill-in role for Ryan Lindell last season, Rayner made 10-of-15 field goals. 

3. P Matt McBriar (Dallas Cowboys)

A two-time Pro Bowler, McBriar fought through lingering injuries for most of 2011.

The result was arguably McBriar's worst season in Dallas as a punter.

4. K David Buehler (Dallas Cowboys)

One of the more athletic and strong-legged kickers in the game, Buehler's value dropped with the league's new kickoff rules. He simply isn't accurate enough to be trusted as a team's sole kicker. 

5. P Matt Turk (Houston Texans)

At 43 years old, Turk is among the oldest players left in the game. He was poor early last season with the Jaguars, but later caught on with Houston after Brett Hartmann tore his ACL.