2012 NFL Free Agents: Offensive Players That Will Shine with New Teams

We saw a lot of players move to new teams last offseason and 2012 only provides another opportunity to shine. 2011's best example was Denver running back Willis McGahee.

After achieving consistency early on in Buffalo, McGahee had three underwhelming seasons with Baltimore from 2008-2010. Joining the Broncos last year, McGahee revived his career and had his third-best season ever.

Heading into 2012, one running back to keep a close watch on is Michael Bush. In Oakland last season, Bush compiled almost 1,400 total yards after coming in relief of Darren McFadden. Along with Bush, however, there were also some other solid pickups to recognize.

So, let's check out which offensive players will break out even more with their new teams.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis: RB, Bengals

With a passing game that presents a standout receiver in A.J. Green, a promising rookie in Mohamed Sanu and an underrated tight end in Jermaine Gresham, the Bengals are a great fit for BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

For one, Cincinnati needed to get younger at running back, and the Law Firm did collect 826 yards and score 11 times for New England last season. Considering all of the Patriots offensive weapons, that's a lot of production.

As for the Bengals, they ranked No. 19 in rushing and definitely need to improve against the stout defenses of the AFC North. Green-Ellis provides a short-yard-situation advantage and a stronger presence to set up the play-action pass.

Laurent Robinson: WR, Jaguars

Before stealing the show in Dallas in 2011, Laurent Robinson was largely an unknown NFL receiver. He spent two seasons with the Falcons and Rams and never caught more than 37 passes in a year (2007).

Earning some playing time due to injuries for Big D last season, Robinson played in 14 games and caught 54 passes for 838 yards and 11 touchdowns. He averaged almost 16 yards-per-catch and is now part of a great receiving corps in Jacksonville with Lee Evans and rookie Justin Blackmon.

Now, the Jaguars do need to see more development out of Blaine Gabbert to field a well-balanced attack. Robinson's ability to beat single coverage and stretch a defense will be vital because, despite all the upgrades, Maurice Jones-Drew remains the premier weapon.

Therefore, Robinson will have to work fast routes off play-action and shed defenders to rack up yards after the catch. Doing so will open up the rest of Jacksonville's passing game and help Gabbert develop quicker.

Kevin Boss: TE, Chiefs

One of the more underrated tight ends in the game, Kevin Boss didn't see much success for Oakland in 2011, as the Raiders weren't a pass-heavy team. While in New York with the Giants from 2007-2010, Boss surpassed 500 yards twice and averaged over 15 yards per catch in 2010.

Having a consistently reliable tight end is the final missing piece to the K.C. offense because receivers Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston draw enough attention to prevent double-coverage. The Chiefs' rushing offense is also a big factor because it presents a balanced attack to work methodically downfield against aggressive defenses.

Boss is a complete player that will keep Kansas City relevant on the ground and help move the chains over the middle. His combo of size and balance allows Boss to make plays against more athletic linebackers, which makes for a dangerous play-action, as defenders will freeze before dropping into coverage.

Michael Bush: RB, Bears

Michael Bush had a career year with the Raiders in 2011, and it earned him a No. 1 ball-carrier opportunity with the Chicago Bears.

Despite his impressive size to slam between the tackles, Bush is a finesse back as a receiver and possesses excellent balance when hitting a lane. He stays on his feet for additional yardage after the initial contact, and his backfield presence will provide Chicago with a balanced offense.

Oakland didn't field any overly dominant receivers for defenses to fear, yet Bush bowled over front sevens quite well. The Bears, however, have Brandon Marshall, rookie Alshon Jeffery, Johnny Knox and Devin Hester.

Not to mention the NFC North's defenses need to prove they have the ability to stop the pass. Therefore, a side effect of Chicago's receiving weapons results in fewer defenders in the box to meet Bush on a carry. So expect an even more productive campaign, as the Bears contend for the division and a playoff berth.

John Rozum on Twitter.