NFL Free Agents 2015: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Market's Top Players

Now more quiet than ever in the shadow of March Madness, critical NFL free-agency transactions will come to light. 

This year, underrated, injured and ignored players still rest on the open market with plenty of options. Where they wind up landing won't change the landscape of the league forever, but they are the sort of players who can make all the difference for a contender or rebuilding franchise.

Right now, it's all about grabbing complementary pieces on the path to the draft.

The following players fit the bill as their market begins to heat up in earnest.

Corey Hilliard, OT

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This time of year, teams are content to take low-risk gambles on proven veterans in the hopes things work out.

Offensive tackle Corey Hilliard is one such example.

A former sixth-round pick who found footing in the league as a role player, Hilliard missed most of last season with an injury and is now 29 years old after four seasons with the Detroit Lions. 

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the former Oklahoma State star will visit with the New York Jets:

The fit makes sense.

Hilliard ranked as the No. 43 offensive tackle in the league in 2013 at Pro Football Focus after nine starts on the right side of the line for Detroit. 

He's a strong backup swing tackle, meaning he can play on both the left and right side. The Jets could use this level of comfort behind their starters after the line allowed more than 40 sacks last season.

Look for the two sides to iron something out resembling a prove-it deal.

Prediction: Hilliard signs with the Jets.

Jermaine Gresham, TE

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Free agency continues to deteriorate for former Cincinnati Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham.

Gresham has everything a team looks for in a tight end. He's a great blocker, big enough at 6'5" to get the gritty yards and move the chains and athletic enough to create mismatches all over the field, including in the red zone.

As his career numbers show, a team such as the Bengals can use the former Oklahoma standout to great effect to help along a shaky quarterback situation:

SEASON	GP	REC	TGTS	YDS	TD
2010	15	52	83	471	4
2011	14	56	92	596	6
2012	16	64	94	737	5
2013	14	46	66	458	4
2014	15	62	79	460	5

The only issue holding Gresham back on the market? Other than his 11 fumbles in five seasons?

A health issue, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reveals:

For now, Gresham's market figures to go on hold.

The issue figures to ruin interest between he and the Oakland Raiders, as noted by Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle. It also may put an end to potential interest from the Cleveland Browns, per Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson.

Gresham figures to sit on the market until training camps in the summer, where he'll receive a one-year deal. The Browns figure to be the best bet given their need and the fact they know just what Gresham can do when healthy. 

Prediction: Gresham signs with the Browns.

Michael Crabtree, WR

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Don't expect it to be radio silence on the Michael Crabtree front much longer.

Crabtree is the surprise free agent this year with next to no interest in his services, a perplexing development for many given his age (27) and potential upside. ESPN's John Keim reported a few interested teams at one point, but it's been silent ever since.

The interest is beginning to pick up, though, as ProFootballTalk notes the Miami Dolphins are arranging a meet with the former San Francisco 49ers star:

Part of the lack of interest so far is Crabtree's up-and-down production and injury history:

SEASON	GP	REC	TGTS	YDS	TD
2009	11	48	86	625	2
2010	16	55	101	741	6
2011	15	72	114	874	4
2012	16	85	126	1,105	9
2013	5	19	33	284	1
2014	16	68	108	698	4

NFL Network's Albert Breer peels off another layer:

Still, at this stage of free agency the Dolphins make almost too much sense. As ESPN's Adam Schefter notes, general manager Mike Tannenbaum was high on Crabtree in 2009 and is now with the Dolphins.

More important, though, is the fact the Dolphins need another wideout to pair with Kenny Stills. Given the lack of interest in his services to date, Crabtree would be wise to take what figures to be a prove-it deal with the Dolphins and go from there.

Prediction: Crabtree signs with the Dolphins.

Note: Stats courtesy of NFL.com as of March 19. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.