2012 NFL Free Agents: Players Who Will Succeed in First Year with New Teams

Teams always sign free agents in hopes of finding a new impact player to provide a much-needed spark the following season.

The guys that usually pan out are not only great players, but were also acquired by teams that placed them in a situation to be successful. 

Julius Peppers fell into a 4-3 scheme in Chicago during the prime of his career. Bart Scott followed his Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator to the New York Jets and became a true force on Gang Green's defense. 

You get my draft. 

These free-agent acquisitions will shine because of their immense skill and new situation. 

Mario Williams, DE, Buffalo Bills

Williams has dealt with a few nagging injuries in his career, but when he's been on he field, he's been an absolute monster. 

He was starting to come around as an outside linebacker in the Houston Texans' 3-4 defense, but Williams is a pass-rusher at heart and at 6'6'' and 290 pounds, he's the ideal, downhill 4-3 defensive end. 

With new defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt instituting a fresh 4-3 scheme in Buffalo, Williams will move back to his natural position. 

Not only will he be playing in a scheme in which he's more comfortable, one that won't ask him to drop into coverage, the former No. 1 overall pick has two outstanding defensive tackles playing next to him.

Kyle Williams is one of the more disruptive interior defensive lineman in the league and 340-pound Marcell Dareus had a respectable rookie campaign in 2011.  

Brandon Carr, CB, Dallas Cowboys

Carr had a fine 2011 season in Kansas City playing alongside Brandon Flowers. At 6'0'' and 207 pounds, he's aggressive at the line of scrimmage and his physical play pays off. Carr had four interceptions to go long with 59 total tackles. 

In Rex Ryan's assailing defense, Carr will flourish. 

The Cowboys intelligently drafted sound cornerback prospect Morris Claiborne, which allows Carr to play off another smart and capable corner like he did in KC. 

With a terrorizing defensive line in front of him that features Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware, Carr will pick up right where he left off last season. 

Brandon Lloyd, WR, New England Patriots

Lloyd has displayed the ability to be a true No. 1 receiver with surprising speed and play-making ability down the field, especially in a Josh McDaniels offense. 

In 2010, he exploded for 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Denver Broncos. 

Last year in split time with the Broncos and St. Louis Rams, he totaled 70 catches for 966 yards and five touchdowns. 

McDaniels is back in New England, which is a great sign for Lloyd and Patriots fans. 

However, Lloyd won't need to be the go-to target by any stretch of the imagination. Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Wes Welker are Tom Brady's favorite pass-catching options. 

Lloyd can make big plays on the perimeter while the tight ends and slot receivers eat up yardage underneath. 

Playing with Tom Brady, how can Lloyd disappoint?

Follow @ChrisTrapasso