NFL Free Agency: Best Pass-Rushers and Cover Men Left on the Market

A defense cannot function at its best without a strong pass rush and tight coverage. One without the other often renders even the best defensive efforts ultimately moot.

For teams looking for help defending the deep ball or new ways to get to the quarterback, there are still plenty of quality options left on the free-agent market. Productive veterans like Andre Carter and James Hall headline the available pass-rushers.

While the likes of Kelly Jennings and Andre Goodman are amongst the best ball hawks still on the market.

Here is a list ranking the best free-agent cover men and prolific pass-rushers.

No. 1: Travis LaBoy, DE/OLB, San Diego Chargers

Travis LaBoy is still capable of offering a credible pass-rushing threat in a situational role. The hybrid rusher failed to impress as a member of the San Diego Chargers in 2011, but he has the power and movement skills to be productive in the right system.

The 6'3", 250-pounder can rush from a standing position or a three-point stance. LaBoy is best as a rush end in nickel and dime fronts.

No. 2: O.J. Atogwe, S, Washington Redskins

It is surprising that O.J. Atogwe remains on the open market. The 30-year-old was blighted by a series of niggling injuries during his one season with the Washington Redskins.

Despite legitimate concerns about his long-term durability, Atogwe is still a smart and savvy safety with natural playmaking instincts. With 25 career interceptions, 16 forced fumbles and 44 pass breakups, Atogwe still has a lot left to offer.

No. 3: James Hall, DE, St. Louis Rams

James Hall is one of the most underrated defensive ends in the game. The 35-year-old has registered 16.5 sacks in the last two seasons and still possesses the skill to terrorize opposing blocking schemes.

An intelligent and powerful technician, Hall uses his hands well and has a wide range of pass-rushing moves. He plays with excellent leverage and has the brute strength and versatility to both collapse the edge and slide inside to tackle in nickel fronts.

In a situational role, Hall could be an excellent low-key addition for a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars or Tennessee Titans.

No. 4: Andre' Goodman, CB, Denver Broncos

Andre' Goodman is a veteran defensive back with the instincts and smarts to still be effective as a third corner for a secondary in need of experience. The 5'10", 191-pounder possesses a good frame and excellent anticipation.

Goodman can work well playing off in coverage, but he has lost the vertical speed needed to track receivers deep in tight man and press coverage. A team won't get many big plays from Goodman, but he is solid and dependable, both useful qualities for a nickelback.

No. 5: Wallace Gilberry, DL, Kansas City Chiefs

Utility defensive lineman Wallace Gilberry is an ideal weapon for nickel pressure packages. The former New York Giants practice squad member utilizes tremendous leverage and excels at swim and rip rush moves.

At 6'2" and 268 pounds, Gilberry can operate as an end with his hand down or even as a standup rusher. Yet the 27-year-old's best position is as a 3-technique tackle in four-man fronts.

Gilberry's powerful hand technique lets him work well in the gaps and defeat guards one on one. He notched seven sacks in this role during the 2010 campaign, but his production fell last season and Gilberry recorded just 2.5 sacks.

However, Gilberry has the skill to replicate his best form if used correctly. Any team looking for a hybrid weapon for their sub-package, pressure fronts should consider taking a chance on the four-year pro.

No. 6: Jim Leonhard, S, New York Jets

Jim Leonhard is one of the more enticing defensive backs left on the free-agent market. The veteran safety is one of the smartest cover men in the game and offers a versatile skill set.

The 29-year-old has an excellent understanding of coverage concepts and can quarterback a secondary. Injuries are the main concern with Leonhard. He missed the final three games of last season after succumbing to a torn patellar tendon.

If he can manage a full recovery, Leonhard would be an ideal addition to a young secondary needing guidance or a team running a complex and multiple defense.

No. 7: Matt Roth, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Matt Roth is a steady and reliable, if not prolific pass-rusher. He has good scheme versatility having spent time in 3-4 and 4-3 fronts. In 2011, Roth was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars' underrated defense and acquitted himself well as a traditional defensive end.

Roth can act as a hybrid rush end and should appeal most as a sub-package, situational defender in 2012. He would operate well as a supplementary rush threat in nickel and dime fronts or as part of a rotation at outside linebacker for a 3-4 team.

No. 8: Kelly Jennings, CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Kelly Jennings is a competent cornerback who still offers some potential as a starter. He is used to operating in press, man coverage and could be a nice fit in the right scheme.

The 5'11", 180-pounder can stick with receivers deep and is also decent in run support. At this stage of his career, the 29-year-old probably fits best as a slot corner in nickel packages.

Jennings is no spectacular playmaker, but he is a dependable veteran who won't make too many mistakes once the ball is in the air.

No. 9: Andre Carter, DE, New England Patriots

Greybeard defensive end Andre Carter is easily the best pass-rusher left on the free-agent market. He revived his career in 2011 by amassing 10 sacks as a member of the New England Patriots' 4-3 front.

The 33-year-old still has the skills to boost the pass rush of any sack-shy defense. At 6'4" and 255 pounds, Carter's best attributes are his first-step quickness and closing speed.

Despite his age, Carter can still beat most tackles to the corner off the snap and still possesses the range of movement to chase down quarterbacks attempting to flee the pocket. His season was ended prematurely by an Achilles injury, but as a three-down pass-rusher, Carter could still thrive.

No. 10: Bryant McFadden, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Bryant McFadden can still be an asset in the right coverage scheme. The 30-year-old's wealth of experience in the Pittsburgh Steelers' zone blitz schemes should make him appealing to any defense emphasizing fire-zone concepts.

The seven-year veteran is a natural zone corner with good instincts. He has above average size for the position at 6'0" and 190 pounds and also possesses decent blitz skills from the slot.

McFadden made only a single start for the Steelers in 2011, but over his career, he has proven himself to be a capable part of zone-based schemes.

In today's NFL, pass-rushers are worth their weight in gold and defenses can never have too many. However, a successful rush always needs the complement of solid coverage. With coordinators employing more nickel fronts on early downs, teams should be on the lookout for experienced, sub-package defenders with rush and coverage skills.