2012 NFL Free Agency: Ranking the 12 Best Free Agents Still Available

As rookie minicamps begin around the NFL, there are plenty of quality veteran free agents available on the free-agent market. Offensive playmakers such as Cedric Benson and Plaxico Burress want to be given an opportunity to showcase their skills in a league where offense has become crucial to winning football games.

However, there are plenty of important free agents who could lead to upgrades through both defenses and special teams.

With that said, here are the rankings of the top 12 free agents available in the NFL today.

12. TE Dallas Clark

Dallas Clark continues to remain on the free agent market after a brilliant career with the Indianapolis Colts.

During Peyton Manning's tenure, Clark was his most consistent receiver in the passing game.

However, a recent amount of injuries over the past few years has led to a decline in Clark's production.

Can Clark ever return to his All-Pro form during the remainder of his career?

11. TE Jeremy Shockey

Jeremy Shockey is the best tight end available in free agency after having a productive season last year in Carolina.

Even at age 31, Shockey recorded 37 receptions for four touchdowns and only missed one game last season.

He would provide quality depth as a backup tight end on a contending team.

10. WR Bernard Berrian

Bernard Berrian is one of multiple veteran receivers looking for a new team after seeing his career end with the Minnesota Vikings.

After being released by the Vikings during the middle of the season last year, no team has decided to take a chance on him.

However, Berrian's athleticism and ability to make plays will ultimately land him a job with an NFL team. 

9. WR Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards is looking for a fresh start after a rough season in 2011.

After a season plagued by injuries, the San Francisco 49ers released Edwards near the end of the regular season.

If healthy, Edwards has shown to be a physical receiver with plenty of athleticism on the outside. 

8. OT Marcus McNeill

When healthy, Marcus McNeill is one of the better left tackles in the NFL. Unfortunately, his career with the San Diego Chargers came to an end after a neck injury set him back.

However, after he is cleared to play, a team could benefit by taking a chance on the former All-Pro lineman. 

The Philadelphia Eagles may take a gamble on McNeill. 

7. S O.J. Atogwe

 O.J. Atogwe is searching for his third team after a one-year stint with the Washington Redskins. For six seasons, Atogwe started at safety for the St. Louis Rams.

He is still an intriguing free agent to multiple teams due to the lack of talent that exists at the safety position.

Atogwe could compete for a starting position in the right situation or could simply add depth to a team's roster.

6. RB Ryan Grant

Ryan Grant still remains on the free-agent market after not being re-signed by the Green Bay Packers.

Injuries have led to Grant's decline in production over the last few seasons, but there is no question he can step onto a team's roster and compete for carries within the offense.

Grant will become a commodity once a team loses a running back during camp.

5. LB James Farrior

James Farrior's long-tenured career came to an end this offseason as the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to part ways with the veteran linebacker.

Farrior's production last season cannot be ignored. He has proven to be capable of becoming an effective two-down linebacker who defends the run effectively.

Farrior could provide good veteran leadership to any defense that is in need of an older linebacker who still plays at a high level.

4. DE Andre Carter

At age 33, Andre Carter could be a viable option for most teams as a defensive end.

He recorded 10 sacks last season on a Patriots defensive front that struggled to put pressure on the quarterback consistently. 

Teams could never have enough pass rushers, which is why Carter will find a new team in these next few weeks.

3.. Plaxico Burress

Plaxico Burress was inconsistent last season with the New York Jets, a team that dealt with plenty of controversy in 2011.

However, if placed in the right offensive scheme, Burress will prove to be a key component to an offense down in the red zone.

Burress continues to physically regain his form after missing a few seasons due to serving time in jail.

He is clearly the best wide receiver available in free agency.

2. RB Cedric Benson

Cedric Benson is the best offensive free agent remaining in the 2012 free-agent class.

Benson produced multiple quality seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, who decided to part ways with the veteran running back.

Benson is a crucial back in the red zone, and he found success against the elite AFC North defenses the past few seasons.

1. DB Yeremiah Bell

Yeremiah Bell is the best free agent available after producing last season with the Miami Dolphins. Bell recorded 81 total tackles (107 combined) and was a force in Mike Nolan's defense.

Bell could certainly compete for a starting safety spot, and he has been linked to multiple teams over the past few weeks.

As rookie camps and optional workouts begin, Bell is due to find his new home for 2012.