NFL Free Agency 100: Top 100 Free Agents Big Board

In the NFL media world, we like to rank things. You'll see plenty of rankings this offseason talking about the best job openings, the best draft prospects and the best free agents available. But how many of these lists break down why a player is ranked at his respective spot in the order?  

This list does that.

Everyone wants to know who the best available free agents are this offseason, and we'll tackle that. But we're also looking at what makes the best players so valuable in the same way an NFL front office evaluates available free agents. By scouting each player and assigning a number grade to him, we're able to objectively look at players' value and upside as they hit the market.

And thus, the NFL Free Agency 100 is born.

In this series, we'll look at the best available free agents, ranking their production (30 possible points), durability (10 points), intangibles (15 points), upside (20 points) and value (25 points) for a possible 100 overall points.

Production: This is not just stats, but is the player able to produce if given starting reps? This area looks at on-field ability and success.

Durability: NFL teams won't spend big money on a player who can't stay healthy. Durability addresses existing injury concerns.

Intangibles: The "it" factor, intangibles look at a player's presence in the locker room, with the media, in the huddle and how he'll impact the team's chemistry and dynamics.

Upside: What does the player have left in the tank? Can he improve with better coaching, better talent around him or a new scheme?

Value: Are we talking about a starter, a backup or a potential sleeper? Here is where we weigh the player's value on the open market.

Editor's Note

Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

Our final NFL Free Agency 100 big board is the product of several months' worth of scouting and related evaluations.

Because, while completing these evaluations, we had no way of predicting the future so as to ascertain which players would remain free agents, which would receive franchise or transition tags, and which would ultimately be released and/or signed by other teams in the time between completion of evaluations and publishing of this big board, not every player on these lists is necessarily available on the open free-agent market at present.

Since these evaluations were completed, we would like to note the following changes.

The following players have been franchise-tagged:

• Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant
• Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas
• Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston
• Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski
• Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul

The following players have been transition-tagged:

• Dolphins tight end Charles Clay

The following players were not considered, as they were released—and thus became free agents—after these evaluations were completed:

• Bengals defense end Robert Geathers
• Bengals wide receiver Greg Little
• Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett
• Cardinals WR/KR Ted Ginn
• Chargers linebacker Jarret Johnson (retired)
• Chiefs tight end Anthony Fasano
• Colts safety LaRon Landry
• Dolphins cornerback Cortland Finnegan
• Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline
• Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Gibson
• Eagles offensive lineman Todd Herremans
• Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas
• Falcons offensive lineman Justin Blalock
• Falcons running back Steven Jackson
• Falcons defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi
• Giants running back Peyton Hillis
• Lions running back Reggie Bush
• Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk
• Ravens defensive end Chris Canty
• Ravens WR/KR Jacoby Jones
• Redskins defensive end Stephen Bowen
• Redskins defensive lineman Barry Cofield Jr.
• Steelers wide receiver Lance Moore
• Vikings guard Charlie Johnson

Top 100 Free Agents

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Top 100 Rankings

Rank	Player	Pos.	2014 Team	2015 Team	Score
1	Darrelle Revis	CB	Patriots		100
2	Dez Bryant *	WR	Cowboys		100
3	Demaryius Thomas *	WR	Broncos		100
4	Justin Houston *	OLB	Chiefs		99
5	Ndamukong Suh	DT	Lions		98
6	Stephen Gostkowski *	K	Patriots		98
7	Randall Cobb	WR	Packers		96
8	Greg Hardy	DE	Panthers		95
9	Jerry Hughes	OLB	Bills		95
10	DeMarco Murray	RB	Cowboys		94
11	Devin McCourty	FS	Patriots		94
12	Mike Iupati	G	49ers		94
13	Pernell McPhee	OLB	Ravens		94
14	Bryan Bulaga	T	Packers		93
15	Jeremy Maclin	WR	Eagles		93
16	Julius Thomas	TE	Broncos		93
17	Rodney Hudson	C	Chiefs		93
18	Terrance Knighton	DT	Broncos		93
19	Jason Worilds	OLB	Steelers		92
20	Tramon Williams	CB	Packers		92
21	David Harris	ILB	Jets		92
22	Brian Orakpo	OLB	Washington		91
23	Brandon Graham	OLB	Eagles		91
24	C.J. Spiller	RB	Bills		91
25	Byron Maxwell	CB	Seahawks		91
26	Jason Pierre-Paul *	DE	Giants		91
27	Mason Foster	ILB	Bucs		89
28	Charles Clay **	TE	Dolphins		89
29	Nick Fairley	DT	Lions		89
30	Antonio Cromartie	CB	Cardinals		89
31	Stefen Wisniewski	C	Raiders		89
32	Rahim Moore	FS	Broncos		89
33	Torrey Smith	WR	Ravens		88
34	Sean Weatherspoon	OLB	Falcons		88
35	Cecil Shorts	WR	Jaguars		87
36	Brandon Flowers	CB	Chargers		87
37	Jordan Cameron	TE	Browns		86
38	Dan Williams	DT	Cardinals		86
39	Akeem Ayers	OLB	Patriots		86
40	Jabaal Sheard	OLB	Browns		86
41	Matt Prater	K	Lions		86
42	Rolando McClain	ILB	Cowboys		85
43	Jermaine Gresham	TE	Bengals		85
44	Malcolm Smith	OLB	Seahawks		85
45	Brooks Reed	OLB	Texans		85
46	Antrel Rolle	FS	Giants		85
47	Brandon Spikes	ILB	Bills		84
48	Sam Acho	OLB	Cardinals		84
49	Kareem Jackson	CB	Texans		84
50	Buster Skrine	CB	Browns		84
51	Mark Ingram	RB	Saints		83
52	Nate Irving	ILB	Broncos		83
53	Walter Thurmond	CB	Giants		83
54	George Johnson	DE	Lions		83
55	Da'Norris Searcy	FS	Bills		83
56	Mike Adams	SS	Colts		83
57	Jamari Lattimore	ILB	Packers		83
58	Colin McCarthy	ILB	Titans		82
59	B.J. Raji	DT	Packers		82
60	Corey Peters	DE	Falcons		82
61	Brandon Marshall	ILB	Broncos		82
62	Mark Sanchez	QB	Eagles		81
63	Michael Oher	T	Titans		81
64	Jared Odrick	DT	Dolphins		81
65	Kenny Britt	WR	Rams		80
66	Frank Gore	RB	49ers		80
67	Justin Forsett	RB	Ravens		80
68	Perrish Cox	CB	49ers		80
69	Dan Skuta	OLB	49ers		80
70	Rey Maualuga	ILB	Bengals		80
71	Orlando Franklin	G	Broncos		80
72	Virgil Green	TE	Broncos		79
73	Ryan Mathews	RB	Chargers		79
74	Stevan Ridley	RB	Patriots		79
75	James Carpenter	G	Seahawks		79
76	Bruce Carter	OLB	Cowboys		79
77	Osi Umenyiora	DE	Falcons		79
78	Sergio Brown	FS	Colts		79
79	Stevie Brown	FS	Giants		78
80	Chris Culliver	CB	49ers		78
81	Kroy Biermann	DE	Falcons		78
82	Michael Crabtree	WR	49ers		77
83	Reggie Wayne	WR	Colts		77
84	George Selvie	DE	Cowboys		77
85	Stephen Paea	DT	Bears		77
86	Eddie Royal	WR	Chargers		76
87	Shane Vereen	RB	Patriots		75
88	King Dunlap	T	Chargers		75
89	Dwight Freeney	OLB	Chargers		75
90	Justin Durant	ILB	Cowboys		74
91	Knowshon Moreno	RB	Dolphins		73
92	Hakeem Nicks	WR	Colts		73
93	Doug Free	T	Cowboys		73
94	Brian Hoyer	QB	Browns		72
95	Jake Locker	QB	Titans		72
96	Wes Welker	WR	Broncos		72
97	Adrian Clayborn	DE	Bucs		72
98	Ryan Mallett	QB	Texans		71
99	Roy Helu	RB	Washington		69
100	John Abraham	DE	Cardinals		68

* Player has received franchise tag designation since evaluations were completed.

** Player has received transition tag designation since evaluations were completed.

Quarterbacks

Al Bello/Getty Images

The 2015 offseason isn't a good one to need a quarterback—and that includes both free agency and the draft.

Teams picking outside the early part of the first round with a need at quarterback may see this list and decide what they have is better. There's not a clear-cut, guaranteed starter on it.

Mark Sanchez found short-term success in Philadelphia and may be back there as a competitor for the starting job. Brian Hoyer was solid early in Cleveland but was benched at the end of the year for Johnny Manziel. And if you're willing to take a risk on developing Jake Locker, he's athletic but has struggled with accuracy and decision-making.

See full scouting reports for each player in our NFL Free Agency 100 series.

Quarterback Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	Mark Sanchez	Eagles	81
2	Brian Hoyer	Browns	72
3	Jake Locker	Titans	72
4	Ryan Mallett	Texans	71
5	Matt Moore	Dolphins	66

Running Backs

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

The running back depth among free agents is very good. There are several legitimate starters and more who can be impact players as third-down backs or complementary pieces.

The gem of the group is DeMarco Murray, and the Dallas Cowboys may try hard to keep him in town. C.J. Spiller is a starter-quality running back when healthy, but he's struggled to stay on the field. Mark Ingram and Frank Gore are both power runners. But Ingram has never been a bell-cow back, and Gore is reaching the end of his career.

How teams view one-year-wonder Justin Forsett will be interesting, but he was very good in a zone offense in 2014 under Gary Kubiak in Baltimore.

Running Back Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	DeMarco Murray	Cowboys	94
2	C.J. Spiller	Bills	91
3	Mark Ingram	Saints	83
4	Frank Gore	49ers	80
5	Justin Forsett	Ravens	80
6	Ryan Mathews	Chargers	79
7	Stevan Ridley	Patriots	79
8	Shane Vereen	Patriots	75
9	Knowshon Moreno	Dolphins	73
10	Roy Helu	Washington	69

Wide Receivers

Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas have been handed the franchise tag, but Randall Cobb and Jeremy Maclin will be allowed to test the market. They're No. 1 receivers with big-play ability and a big payday coming to them. We all know Torrey Smith can be a solid deep threat, but he's a tier below the big four.

Cecil Shorts may be the sleeper if healthy. He's been a bright spot with terrible quarterback play in Jacksonville, but his injury history is a concern.

Wide Receiver Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	Dez Bryant *	Cowboys	100
2	Demaryius Thomas *	Broncos	100
3	Randall Cobb	Packers	96
4	Jeremy Maclin	Eagles	93
5	Torrey Smith	Ravens	88
6	Cecil Shorts III	Jaguars	87
7	Kenny Britt	Rams	80
8	Michael Crabtree	49ers	77
9	Reggie Wayne	Colts	77
10	Eddie Royal	Chargers	76
11	Hakeem Nicks	Colts	73
12	Wes Welker	Broncos	72

* Player has received franchise tag designation since evaluations were completed.

Tight Ends

Joe Mahoney/Associated Press

Athletic tight ends are all the rage in the NFL, and the 2015 free-agency class has the potential to help teams in need.

Julius Thomas has to prove he can produce without Peyton Manning, but he's totaled 24 touchdowns in the last two seasons and has been one of the NFL's true breakout players since Manning joined Denver. Charles Clay won't be on the market after receiving the transition tag designation.

Jordan Cameron has big promise, but his 2014 was forgettable. He was a star under Norv Turner in 2013, though.

Tight End Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	Julius Thomas	Broncos	93
2	Charles Clay *	Dolphins	89
3	Jordan Cameron	Browns	86
4	Jermaine Gresham	Bengals	85
5	Virgil Green	Broncos	79

* Player has received transition tag designation since evaluations were completed.

Offensive Linemen

USA TODAY Sports

There is no must-sign offensive lineman on the market, but you could easily fill a big hole and find a Pro Bowl-caliber starter in free agency. 

Mike Iupati's 2014 wasn't good, but he's a powerful blocker with an ideal skill set for a power-running game. Bryan Bulaga has locked down the right side for the Green Bay Packers, and it'll be a surprise if they let him walk. The same goes for Rodney Hudson, who has been the Kansas City Chiefs' most consistent starter and could be their anchor as they rebuild the offensive line.

Offensive Linemen Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	Mike Iupati	49ers	94
2	Bryan Bulaga	Packers	93
3	Rodney Hudson	Chiefs	93
4	Stefen Wisniewski	Raiders	89
5	Michael Oher	Titans	81
6	Orlando Franklin	Broncos	80
7	James Carpenter	Seahawks	79
8	King Dunlap	Chargers	75
9	Doug Free	Cowboys	73

Defensive Linemen

USA TODAY Sports

As this group is currently shaping up, it'll be a league-changing class.

Ndamukong Suh is one of the NFL's most gifted players. He will see an epic recruiting battle after not being tagged in Detroit. The same goes for Greg Hardy, who has off-field issues in his past but also league-leading talent as a pass-rusher.

Defensive Linemen Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	Ndamukong Suh	Lions	98
2	Greg Hardy	Panthers	95
3	Terrance Knighton	Broncos	93
4	Jason Pierre-Paul *	Giants	91
5	Nick Fairley	Lions	89
6	Dan Williams	Cardinals	86
7	George Johnson	Lions	83
8	Corey Peters	Falcons	82
9	B.J. Raji	Packers	82
10	Jared Odrick	Dolphins	81
11	George Selvie	Cowboys	77
12	Stephen Paea	Bears	77
13	Adrian Clayborn	Buccaneers	72

* Player has received franchise tag designation since evaluations were completed.

4-3 Outside Linebackers

John Bazemore/Associated Press

The class of defensive free agents is very good—except at 4-3 linebacker and safety. The talent here is solid, but the majority of the linebackers are either unproven or coming off an injury that makes them a questionable target.

Sean Weatherspoon has shown Pro Bowl-caliber play in his career, but injuries have decimated his play lately. Akeem Ayers was wasted in Tennessee but found success in New England this year. Is he worth taking a risk on outside Bill Belichick's system? The same goes for Malcolm Smith, an undersized linebacker at 6'0", 226 pounds who won't be a fit for most teams.

4-3 Outside Linebacker Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	Sean Weatherspoon	Falcons	88
2	Akeem Ayers	Patriots	86
3	Malcolm Smith	Seahawks	85
4	Brandon Marshall	Broncos	82
5	Bruce Carter	Cowboys	79
6	Justin Durant	Cowboys	74

3-4 Outside Linebackers

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

The 2015 free-agent class at outside linebacker would have been arguably the best ever had it not been for the franchise tag. Instead, the Kansas City Chiefs tagged Justin Houston, who led the NFL in sacks last year with 22. Even so, it's a good class.  

Jerry Hughes was nearing draft-bust status in Indianapolis but has been a top-tier pass-rusher in Buffalo and has the versatility to play as a defensive end or outside linebacker. Pernell McPhee, Jason Worilds, Brian Orakpo and Brandon Graham all can be game-changers on defense in 2015.

3-4 Outside Linebacker Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	Justin Houston *	Chiefs	99
2	Jerry Hughes	Bills	95
3	Pernell McPhee	Ravens	94
4	Jason Worilds	Steelers	92
5	Brian Orakpo	Washington	91
6	Brandon Graham	Eagles	91
7	Jabaal Sheard	Browns	86
8	Brooks Reed	Texans	85
9	Sam Acho	Cardinals	84
10	Dan Skuta	49ers	80
11	Osi Umenyiora	Falcons	79
12	Kroy Biermann	Falcons	78
13	Dwight Freeney	Chargers	75
14	John Abraham	Cardinals	68

* Player has received franchise tag designation since evaluations were completed.

Inside Linebackers

USA TODAY Sports

There is no can't-miss inside linebacker in this free-agent class, but there are capable starters and players with upside.

David Harris has been productive, but he's limited in range and is getting older for a big free-agent contract (31 years old). Mason Foster may not be a typical Tampa 2 "Mike" 'backer for Lovie Smith's scheme, but he could play for many teams and lock down the middle linebacker spot. Rolando McClain was a potential Comeback Player of the Year in 2014, but his off-field issues make signing him a gamble.

Inside Linebacker Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	David Harris	Jets	92
2	Mason Foster	Buccaneers	89
3	Rolando McClain	Cowboys	85
4	Brandon Spikes	Bills	84
5	Nate Irving	Broncos	83
6	Jamari Lattimore	Packers	83
7	Colin McCarthy	Titans	82
8	Rey Maualuga	Bengals	80

Cornerbacks

Stephan Savoia/Associated Press

Darrelle Revis headlines this list—and the free-agent class—but the New England Patriots can keep him by picking up an option on his 2015 season. And they should.

Tramon Williams may be back in Green Bay, but he could be a starter in a lot of systems and has the experience to be a leader in the secondary. Byron Maxwell is a lock to get good money and a starting job, and I'd expect the Philadelphia Eagles to be all over him if he leaves the Seattle Seahawks.

Chris Culliver's play is better than his grade, but injury and off-field concerns are keeping his stock down.

Cornerback Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	Darrelle Revis	Patriots	100
2	Tramon Williams	Packers	92
3	Byron Maxwell	Seahawks	91
4	Antonio Cromartie	Cardinals	89
5	Brandon Flowers	Chargers	87
6	Kareem Jackson	Texans	84
7	Buster Skrine	Browns	84
8	Walter Thurmond	Giants	83
9	Perrish Cox	49ers	80
10	Chris Culliver	49ers	78

Safeties

Elsa/Getty Images

Devin McCourty is arguably the second-best free safety in the NFL behind Earl Thomas, and you can expect the New England Patriots to make a big push to keep him at a high price. If McCourty heads back to New England, Rahim Moore becomes even more valuable as the best safety in the group.

Stevie Brown could be the sleeper of this class. He had eight interceptions in 2012 but hasn't had one since. 

With a weak 2015 draft class at safety and lack of talent in free agency, the top-tier players are more valuable.

Safety Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	Devin McCourty	Patriots	94
2	Rahim Moore	Broncos	89
3	Antrel Rolle	Giants	85
4	Da'Norris Searcy	Bills	83
5	Mike Adams	Colts	83
6	Sergio Brown	Colts	79
7	Stevie Brown	Giants	78

Special Teams

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Scouting special teams players isn't something I enjoy—it's all about accuracy, power, hang time and statistical analysis. But their value and importance are huge if you're looking at how much a game can change with a good, consistent kicker.

Stephen Gostkowski is the third New England Patriot to headline his position group, but he's been franchise-tagged. Matt Prater has been inconsistent since serving a four-game suspension early in 2014, but he has a track record of success.

Special Teams Rankings

Rank	Player	Team	Score
1	Stephen Gostkowski *	Patriots	98
2	Matt Prater	Lions	86

* Player has received franchise tag designation since evaluations were completed.