Pre Draft: NFL's Top Remaining Free Agents

We're a few weeks from the 2009 NFL Draft, so some are curious which veterans are still out there on the unemployment line. Maybe there's a seasoned talent out there to fill in at a tackle or linebacker spot, so your team might take that position off their draft list for Day 1.

Most of these vets will find jobs before camps open in a few months, and some will sign shortly after the draft when teams strike out to land a young talent at a position of need.

With all that said, here's a look (as of April 15) at who's out there:

Quarterback

Gus Frerotte—Didn't embarrass himself during his run as the Vikings' starter in 2008 (12 TDs, 15 INTs), but best suited for a backup role. Flirted with the Rams, but may find a role with a team desperate for a seasoned backup, such as the Jets or Bears.

Rex Grossman—Failure in multiple shots as the starter in Chicago, but with the veteran ranks of the unemployed being bare, will get a look in someone's camp.

J.P. Losman—Failed to impress when he needed to in a late-season start in '08, and he's paying for it on the free agent market. Still likely to find work, especially when QBs like Brett Ratliff, Kevin O'Connell and Brett Basanez will likely go into camps as No. 2s around the league. 

Charlie Batch—With Byron Leftwich signing with Tampa Bay, he'll be back behind Big Ben.

Brooks Bollinger—Yes, the pickings are slim. Played a bit for the 'Boys after Brad Johnson faltered while starter Tony Romo was out with an injury.

Running back

Warrick Dunn—Time has caught up with Dunn after 13 seasons, but he still went for nearly 800 yards and averaged more than four yards a carry for the Bucs in '08 after Earnest Graham went down.

Dominic Rhodes—Veteran who, outside of being another classic Raider blunder signing, has been a solid No. 2 back behind Edgerrin James and Joseph Addai. Where will he be in '09?

Ahman Green—When he was healthy in '09 (which wasn't often), Green formed a nice one-two punch with Steve Slaton.

DeShaun Foster—Disappointment for the 49ers last season, but was coming off consecutive 800-yard seasons in Carolina. Buffalo may give him a shot to compliment Fred Jackson, while Marshawn Lynch is suspended.

Deuce McAllister—If his knees are healthy enough, could get a look as insurance from a playoff contender looking for a second-half run.

Fullback

Lorenzo Neal—Showed he is still a punisher with the Ravens, but his neck problems scare teams off. A return to the Ravens after the draft wouldn't be a shocker.

Justin Griffith—Not a tremendous blocker, but has enough wiggle to be a big halfback, and can catch out of the backfield. Flirted with Seattle.

Terrelle Smith—Good enough to be not good enough. Cards passed on him by signing Dan Kreider, who coach Ken Whisenhunt knew from Pittsburgh.

Cecil Sapp—Former Denver starter spent last season as a reserve with Houston. Also a solid special teamer.

Nick Goings—Not really a true fullback, but an excellent special teamer and locker room guy who can fill in at halfback if needed.

Wide receiver

Plaxico Burress—No one questions his talent, or whether the Giants are a better team with him, but is he worth it?

Torry Holt—Would be a nice fit for Chicago and Jay Cutler. Just one season removed from consecutive 93-catch seasons in '07 and '06.

Matt Jones—Off-the-field issues and looming suspensions may doom him. The Jaguars are hurting even worse at wideout without him, but history tells us he'll get another shot.

Amani Toomer—Wouldn't be a bad grab as a complimentary wideout for a club needing a vet (i.e. Oakland, Chicago or St. Louis).

Marvin Harrison—May be at the end of the road after a long, successful career.

Tight end

George Wrighster—Decent hands and an adequate blocker. A team starved for a tight end could use him.

Mark Campbell—Blue collar vet who will do everything asked of him.

Nate Jackson—Denver never quite knew what do do with him. The former wideout will have to find the right situation to stick.

Bubba Franks—His best days are well behind him, but will find someone to bring him back for an eleventh camp.

Mark Bruener—The former Steeler and Texan is a third tackle.

Tackle

Mark Tauscher—Once longtime Packer starter's knee checks out, he'll go quickly. Strictly a right tackle.

Jon Runyan—See above. But age works against him. Right side only.

Ephraim Salaam—Could be a nice swing tackle for a team needing a steady backup.

Kwame Harris—Still fairly young (27), but hasn't showed he can hold a gig full-time at either tackle spot. Worthy of being a backup.

Jonas Jennings—Complete flop as a big-budget signing by the 49ers, but can play both sides well when motivated. Will he ever be motivated again after big payday though?

Guard

Pete Kendall—Vetern left guard can still get the job done after 14 seasons as a starter with Seattle, the Jets, Arizona and Washington, and has played center.

Kendall Simmons—Former Steeler began '08 as right guard starter before injury. Could sign while knee rehabs and might push for starting job once he's in football shape.

Jeremy Bridges—Bridges is a solid backup, and can play both positions on right side of the line. However, Bridges is not someone you want starting week-to-week.

Edwin Mulitalo—The tank is on "E" after a very average '08, but could find work. Has only played left guard.

Jason Fabini—A veteran that can play both guard spots and both tackle spots in a pinch. A useful backup at this point in his career.

Center

Melvin Fowler—Average at best, and coming off elbow problems.

Eric Ghiaciuc—Drafted to be the center the Bengals wanted, but Cincy has since tried to replace him. Still may re-sign if the draft nets the Bengals nothing at the position.

Grey Ruegamer—Giants don't seem interested in re-signing him, and he is strictly a backup.

Jeremy Newberry—Chargers have no interest in re-signing the former Pro Bowler with bad knees. He is a warrior to have come back from multiple knee surgeries though.

Andy McCollum—After 16 years, he keeps showing up on someone's lineup. Filled in for Detroit in '08.

Next time: Defense