2012 NFL Free Agents: 15 Players Who Will Make the Biggest Impact

When it comes to building an NFL dynasty, it is usually done via the draft—not usually via free agency. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that an NFL franchise can't collect talent from the free-agent market.

Many Super Bowl-winning teams have had a few free-agent signings that made a huge impact on those teams' Super Bowl runs—for example, Andre Carter was a huge-impact free-agent signing for the 2011 AFC champion New England Patriots.

In that spirit, let's take a look at the entire 2012 NFL free-agent class and select the top-15 players that will have the biggest impact on their new teams in 2012.  

Carl Nicks

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers arguably have one of the best offensive lines in football with the signing of offensive guard Carl Nicks.

Nicks has been a dominant left guard over the past few seasons with the New Orleans Saints, and he played a huge part in Drew Brees' success. 

Nicks should certainly help boost Josh Freeman's productivity in 2012 with the Bucs. 

Matt Flynn

It's certainly not guaranteed, but Matt Flynn will likely be the starting quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.

The Seahawks are actually a very talented team that have been lacking just one big-time piece: a franchise quarterback.

After sitting behind Aaron Rodgers for a few seasons and shining when he had an opportunity, I'm sure Flynn will do just fine as Seattle's franchise quarterback. 

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Little do you know, BenJarvus Green-Ellis is actually a very productive NFL running back—but not too many people have noticed his success due to the fact that he played for the pass-happy New England Patriots. 

Green-Ellis, better known as The Law Firm, had quite the success the past two seasons with the Patriots, as he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in 2010 and ran for 667 yards in 2011. The Law Firm has punched in a combined 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons and should have a huge impact in stabilizing the Cincinnati Bengals' running game in 2012. 

Vincent Jackson

Be on the lookout for Vincent Jackson in 2012—I am sure that he and Josh Freeman will combine for some huge yardage and a ton of touchdowns this upcoming season.

V-Jax was arguably the top wide receiver available during this free-agent period, and at $55 million, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers paid a huge price to lock him up for five years.

With all that money, Jackson sure as hell better be productive and have a huge impact this upcoming season. 

Cory Redding

The Indianapolis Colts should be very excited about the addition of Cory Redding, as he's a seasoned veteran that could have a breakout season in 2012. 

Redding followed his former defensive coordinator, Chuck Pagano, from the Baltimore Ravens to the Colts, and considering his familiarity with the defensive system, I am sure he will be a huge-impact player in 2012 with Indy. 

Cortland Finnegan

Former Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan decided to move on over to St. Louis and rejoin his former head coach, Jeff Fisher.

Finnegan has been the Titans' No. 1 cornerback over the past few seasons and has been fairly dominant. 

Many believe that he is one of the elite corners in the game today, and I believe he will have a pretty big impact on the St. Louis Rams' season in 2012—and for many years to come, for that matter. 

Michael Bush

Goodbye, Marion Barber and hello, Michael Bush.

With Matt Forte's future with the Chicago Bears currently up in the air, adding a player like Michael Bush was a wise decision by the Bears.

Even if Forte does play, Bush should have a pretty significant impact in Chicago's offense, much like Barber did in 2011.

Bush is a very powerful runner and should add a little thunder to the lightning that Forte already has to offer. 

Mario Manningham

Forget Randy Moss—Mario Manningham is where it's at.

Manningham is the key to the San Francisco 49ers having successful offensive output in 2012, as he's a quality wide receiver that is ready to make the leap to being a top-tier receiver.

In an injury-plagued 2011 season with the New York Giants, Manningham racked up 39 receptions for 523 yards and four touchdowns—I'm going to bet that he produces much better numbers than that in 2012 with the 49ers. 

Laurent Robinson

I may be in the minority on this one, but I think Blaine Gabbert is going to surprise a lot of people in 2012 and have a pretty impressive season—thanks in large part to wide receiver Laurent Robinson.

Robinson was a pretty solid option for Tony Romo while with the Dallas Cowboys in 2011, as he reeled in 54 passes for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns.

I don't think Robinson is going to put up those same numbers this season, but he'll certainly be a very solid option for second-year quarterback Gabbert. 

Mario Williams

Mario Williams is going to have a huge season with the Buffalo Bills in 2012—I guarantee it.

Williams was the premier defensive player in the 2012 free-agent class. He's recorded 53 sacks in 82 career games while playing as a 4-3 defensive end and a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Williams should fit in just fine with the Bills for many years to come. 

Eric Winston

Right tackle has been a rather troubled spot for the Kansas City Chiefs over the past few seasons, but the addition of Eric Winston should fix that right up.

Winston has been quite the right tackle over the years with the Houston Texans, and the 28-year-old should have a huge year in his first season with K.C.  

Peyton Manning

Well, duh. It's Peyton Manning.

What should I even say about this guy? He's a future Hall of Fame quarterback and is going to bring a winning culture back to the Denver Broncos—something that they haven't seen since the days of John Elway—although some, including me, might disagree, since they did have a winning culture with Tim Tebow at quarterback. 

But, we can all agree that Manning is a huge upgrade over Tebow. 

Brandon Carr

Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne are undoubtedly going to turn around the Dallas Cowboys' secondary in 2012.

Carr has been the Kansas City Chiefs' No. 2 cornerback over the past few seasons, starting opposite Brandon Flowers, so his dominance has been rather overshadowed by his teammate.

Carr certainly is ready to make the jump as an elite cornerback in 2012, and I have a feeling that he's going to do just fine in Big D. 

Curtis Lofton

With Jonathan Vilma being suspended for the entire 2012 NFL season, Curtis Lofton is going to step in and have a monster season for the flatlining New Orleans Saints. 

Lofton racked up an incredible 147 tackles a year ago with the Atlanta Falcons and should fill in nicely for the suspended Vilma. 

Brandon Lloyd

Brandon Lloyd brings something to the New England Patriots' offense that they haven't seen since the days of Randy Moss: a reliable deep threat.

With Lloyd flourishing in Josh McDaniels' offense while with the Denver Broncos, I am going to bet my car that he'll have a monster season with Tom Brady.