NFL Free Agency 2015: Available Players Primed for Monster 2015 Seasons

Restocking in the NFL draft may be the surest way to build a long-term winner, but adding an impact free agent or two can put a team on the brink of contention over the top.

There are a number of potential and proven stars available in the 2015 crop of free agents who are sure to have impressive seasons next year, regardless of where they sign. The trick for the front offices across the league is picking out which players those will be and then getting them at the right price. 

With that in mind, here are a few free agents in particular who will have monster seasons in 2015.

Randall Cobb, Wide Receiver

It’s not every day that a wide receiver who put up 1,287 receiving yards and 12 touchdown catches is available, but that is the case with Randall Cobb.

Cobb was a critical cog in the Green Bay Packers machine a season ago and a main reason why they finished eighth in the league in passing yards and first in scoring offense. He and Jordy Nelson formed a deadly receiver duo, especially with quarterback Aaron Rodgers taking advantage of every small opening with his laser arm.

NFL.com’s list of the best available free agents certainly painted an enticing picture of Cobb as a potential target:

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With Wes Welker in decline, Percy Harvin an annual enigma and Victor Cruz injured, Cobb is the NFL's undisputed slot king entering the 2015 offseason. He's a punt returner after the catch and has a mind meld with Aaron Rodgers on broken plays. If the Packers are serious about a Super Bowl run, Cobb must be re-signed.

"

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Incredibly, he will only be 25 years old during the 2015 season. He is theoretically just hitting his prime, and if the Packers do cough up the cash to keep Cobb in Green Bay, there is no reason to expect anything less than another monster season, especially with Rodgers running the show.

Between his speed, nose for the end zone and ability to contribute in the return game, Cobb is a must-get for teams looking to boost their offenses.

Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver

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Jeremy Maclin bounced back from injury in dramatic style during the 2014 season with 1,318 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches.

His speed and ability to make plays in space and blow past press coverage from corners was key in head coach Chip Kelly’s uptempo attack, and if he returns to Philadelphia, Maclin will have another year of experience in the system under his belt.

Plus, he will be another year removed from his season-ending injury in 2013, which means he should have more confidence in his health and ability to simply go out and make plays. Maclin will also only be 27 years old, and he could put up even bigger numbers in 2015 with his skill set and renewed confidence.

For his part, Maclin seemed fairly sure he will be back in Philadelphia, via Les Bowen of Philly.com: "I've always said I want to be here in Philadelphia, but I've also always said I understand it's a business. Both sides have made it known that we both want each other back, so the rest of it is in God's hands. If it's supposed to happen, it'll happen. I want to be here."

Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images

Even if Maclin doesn’t end up as a member of the Eagles, he will likely still play like a No. 1 option. It is not difficult to envision a scenario in which he ends up somewhere like Kansas City on a team that didn’t even get a single touchdown catch from the wide receiver position in 2014. 

That would certainly change with the speedy Maclin on the roster.

Brian Orakpo, Linebacker

Mark E. Tenally/Associated Press

Thus far, Brian Orakpo has been a frustrating case of what could have been thanks to numerous injuries.

He is a three-time Pro Bowler and an absolute monster on the field when he is healthy, but he tore his right pectoral muscle and missed more than half of the 2014 season. He also tore his left pectoral muscle near the end of the 2011 campaign and then tore it yet again a mere two games into the 2012 season.

To say he has been snake-bitten would be an understatement.

There are understandable worries about his health, which could drive his asking price down, but he did tally 11 sacks in 2009, 8.5 in 2010, nine in 2011 and 10 in 2013. While he did only record a half a sack in seven games last year before getting hurt again, he was playing with a dislocated finger and sprained ankle.

He should finally be healthy this season, which is good news for what once looked like a very promising career. Orakpo will also be 29 in 2015, so he should still theoretically have a couple years of prime production remaining.

Evan Vucci/Associated Press

What’s more, you can make the argument that he is a "young" 29 since he has missed a number of games and the wear and tear that come with them throughout his career.

Orakpo brings game-changing speed and power to the table that help him pursue running backs in space, make tackles and stick with tight ends in passing situations. Even if he plays at a 75-percent level of what he once was, Orakpo will be a defensive force in 2015. 

Some team will get a steal.

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