2012 NFL Free Agents: Breaking Down Most Overlooked Defensive Signings

When looking ahead to the 2012 NFL season, it's obvious to expect a big season from free-agent defenders with new homes.

Mario Williams in Buffalo is arguably the best answer, but what about other solid defensive players that didn't get as much recognition?

William Gay is certainly one after having played in 80 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007-2011. The man has played in two Super Bowls and has been a consistently reliable performer throughout his career. Now in Arizona, Gay isn't the only overlooked defender to move this offseason.

Frostee Rucker: DE, Browns

The Cleveland Browns needed to improve the run defense and they got a sound defender to work the line of scrimmage.

2011 was a breakout year for Frostee Rucker as he finally played in all 16 games and helped the Bengals earn a playoff berth. With 44 tackles and four sacks, Rucker played on a Bengals defense that ranked No. 9 against the pass and No. 10 against the run.

His ability to apply pressure and be reliable against the run will complement Jabaal Sheard and D'Qwell Jackson in Cleveland's defensive front. Provided that the Browns offense manages to average more than 13.6 points per game, Rucker will have more sack and tackles-for-loss opportunities. 

In turn, this allows corner Joe Haden to make more plays in the secondary and help Cleveland win the field-position battle against a rough schedule.

Jason Jones: DE/DT, Seahawks

Arguably the most impressively consistent performer for the Tennessee Titans from 2008-2011, defensive lineman Jason Jones collected 15.5 sacks, forced seven fumbles and made 112 tackles for the Music City.

Although the Seattle Seahawks boasted a solid defense ranking No. 11 against the pass and No. 15 against the run, the Great Northwest got off to a really slow start last season. Now take into consideration how much improved the NFC West is at running the rock, and the Seahawks needed to upgrade in the trenches.

We know Chris Clemons will be a dominant sack-artist, but rookie Bruce Irvin needs to develop as a run-defender. Jones provides the skill set to get in the backfield from outside and inside while creating turnover opportunities.

Against ball-carriers like Frank Gore and Steven Jackson, Seattle needs Jones to compete in the division early on. Otherwise, another 2-6 start (like 2011) will happen in 2012.

Lofa Tatupu: LB, Falcons

One of the better linebackers of his era, Lofa Tatupu had a strong career with the Seattle Seahawks from 2005-2010 with three Pro Bowl selections and three 100-plus-tackle years.

Now, he did miss all of 2011, but the Atlanta Falcons got a free-agent steal as Tatupu is only 29 years old. Last season the Falcons ranked No. 20 against the pass and were exploited by offensive fire-powers like the Saints, Giants and Packers.

Tatupu fortunately, has the coverage awareness to play inside or outside linebacker. While in Seattle he recorded 10 picks (seven in his first three seasons) and defended 39 passes. Tatupu can read well against the run, isolate running backs in single coverage and wall off tight ends in zone.

Considering he Dirty Birds play in a pass-happy division, Tatupu's experience alone will improve Atlanta's front seven.

William Gay: CB, Cardinals

Last season Arizona was weak against the run and pass, allowing an average of 355 total yards per game and beginning the season a dismal 1-6.

William Gay, however, was a reliable contributor for Pittsburgh in making 61 tackles, recording two picks and defending a career-high 13 passes. 2011 was the third consecutive season in which Gay defended 10-plus throws, and his consistency suits well for Arizona.

With other great defensive backs in Patrick Peterson, Adrian Wilson and rookie Jamell Fleming, Gay will enter as the No. 2 corner and lock down in another run-first division. During their 7-2 stretch to close out 2011, the Cardinals allowed an average of only 18.3 points per game, so there is strong momentum built for 2012.

Gay provides excellent man-coverage skills and zone instincts to bait quarterbacks and help with run support. His addition at the very last creates depth, as Arizona's front seven can now be more aggressive.

John Rozum on Twitter.