NFL Free Agents 2016: Best Players Available at Each Position After Day 2

Day 2 of NFL free agency wrapped up on Thursday as the 2016 offseason continues. Several of the biggest names struck gold as they found new teams to call their own. We'll let you know who the best players available are at each position after two days of action.

There’s still a lot of talent on the board as the second-tier free agents are receiving attention. Playoff-caliber teams that are looking for the right mixture of value and impact will be on the lookout.

The most effective franchises are able to discern which players will fit into their culture and scheme. Forcing an individual into the wrong situation can cripple an organization for years. But augmenting a roster properly can be the difference in becoming a playoff team.

The best players still available after Day 2 will be listed in alphabetical order on each page.

Don’t forget to leave your free-agency predictions in the comments section below.

Quarterbacks

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Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, New York Jets

The best quarterback still available is Ryan Fitzpatrick of the New York Jets. He had a career-high 31 touchdowns and 3,905 yards in 2015 with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey designing an offense around his skill set. The 33-year-old is a good short-term option for playoff contenders in need of a game manager.

NFL Network’s Mike Silver reported the Denver Broncos have checked in with Fitzpatrick but are working on a trade for Colin Kaepernick.

Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins

No other player left in free agency can create a buzz like Robert Griffin III. The former No. 2 overall pick hasn’t been the same playmaker he was as a rookie in 2012 due to injuries. Nevertheless, he is worth a modest risk to find out whether he can be salvaged.

The NFL’s shortage of good quarterbacks means Griffin should receive another opportunity before long. He has a cannon for an arm but struggles with basic footwork. Some patience in the right situation could lead to big results.

Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Already 32 years old, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has been a quality backup for the better part of his career. The athletic signal-caller is a changeup for defenses to handle in a pinch. He can bring a unique aspect to an offense with his running ability. The market for Jackson should be decent, as a good backup always has value.

Running Backs

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Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans

Life is hard for near-30-year-old running backs, let alone those coming off a torn Achilles. Arian Foster was a dominant player for the Houston Texans but struggled to stay on the field throughout his career. He’ll likely have to wait to receive any action as a free agent after being released by the team, but he has low risk and high-reward potential.

Ronnie Hillman, RB, Denver Broncos

Which teams would like a 24-year-old running back who posted 863 yards and seven touchdowns in 2015? The Denver Broncos were unable to re-sign him prior to free agency. With C.J. Anderson receiving an offer from the Miami Dolphins as a restricted free agent, per Mike Klis of 9 News, the Broncos may try to hammer out a deal with Hillman and decline to match Anderson’s contract.

Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins

It seemed like forever ago when Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris took the NFL by storm as rookies in 2012. The FAU product rushed for 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns as a rookie. Since then his numbers have dipped every season, and he seems to have lost some quickness.

Morris is only 27 and should benefit from a better offensive line than what Washington had in 2015. A zone-blocking team is an ideal fit for the former sixth-round pick.

Wide Receivers

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Anquan Boldin, WR, San Francisco 49ers

The seemingly ageless Anquan Boldin is still hanging around after 13 professional seasons. The possession receiver logged the fewest receiving yards in his career since 2004 last year, but he was still respectable with 69 receptions and 789 yards. Playoff contenders that are looking for a reliable third option would be hard-pressed to do better than Boldin.

Rueben Randle, WR, New York Giants

Former New York Giants receiver Rueben Randle is only 24 years old but hasn’t received much free-agent buzz yet. He isn’t dynamic and has struggled with consistency, but he brings great size at 6’2” and 208 pounds to a receiving corps. His youth and natural athleticism should attract teams that are looking for a late-bloomer who needs a change of scenery.

Mike Wallace, WR, Minnesota Vikings

It’s been five years since Mike Wallace lived up to his reputation as a quality deep threat. At 29 years old, he is on the verge of joining his third team in as many years. He’s been productive up until 2015, when he had just 39 receptions, 473 yards and two touchdowns. His numbers and ability to create big plays have been dwindling as he hits the downside of his career.

Tight Ends

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Scott Chandler, TE, New England Patriots

The top tight ends were snatched up quickly on Day 1 of free agency. The most impactful blocking tight end available is Scott Chandler. The former New England Patriots tight end finished with the seventh-highest run block grade from Pro Football Focus. At 30 years old, he can still contribute to an offense that values two-tight end sets.

Vernon Davis, TE, Denver Broncos

Vernon Davis, 32, won his first Super Bowl in 2015 and is now looking to extend his career. The former sixth overall pick one decade ago, Davis has dropped off significantly in terms of production and impact. But he’s a crafty veteran who can contribute in both the receiving and running game in limited spurts. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Davis visited the Washington Redskins Thursday.

Zach Miller, TE, Chicago Bears

Zach Miller, a 31-year-old tight end who didn’t play a single snap from 2011 to 2014, had a career-high 439 yards and five touchdowns in 2015. His unique situation could make him a viable option for teams in need of a receiving second tight end, even if his age is misleading in terms of mileage on his body. According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com, the Bears have resumed negotiations with Miller.

Offensive Tackles

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Kelvin Beachum, OT, Pittsburgh Steelers

Kelvin Beachum was a stud left tackle before tearing his ACL midway through 2015. The Pittsburgh Steelers couldn’t adequately replace the 6’3”, 303-pound tackle. His considerable upside makes him worth the risk considering the value of the tackle position.

Beachum received interest from the Baltimore Ravens this week, according to NFL.com's Aditi Kinkhabwala (h/t Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com).

Russell Okung, OT, Seattle Seahawks

A stalwart of the Seattle Seahawks offensive line for the last five years, it’s time for Russell Okung to reap the rewards in free agency. The athletic zone-blocker is only 28 years old but is coming off a dislocated shoulder injury that will sideline him for five months. Nevertheless, the Seahawks need Okung as they’re competing for the Super Bowl every year.

He’s a great option for both contenders and rebuilding franchises, considering his age and talent. The rest of the free-agent tackles may be stuck waiting until Okung finally strikes a deal.

Donald Penn, OT, Oakland Raiders

Some career decisions end up changing how a player’s career will forever be viewed. When the Oakland Raiders acquired Donald Penn, they were a rebuilding team that was looking for a stopgap veteran. Penn has been at least that with Oakland. At 32 years old, he’s the team’s best option for 2016.

According to Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune, Penn wants to re-sign and claims the team wants him to stay in the silver and black.

Interior Offensive Linemen

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Jahri Evans, OG, New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints had to move on from right guard Jahri Evans this offseason. Their 10-year relationship was fruitful for both parties as he was once an elite blocker. Evans was still a good starter for the team in 2015 but didn’t fit the transition to a zone-blocking scheme. He’s only a gap-scheme fit.

At 32, Evans doesn’t have much left in him. He’s a short-term fix only. According to his Twitter account, he visited the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week.

Geoff Schwartz, OG, New York Giants

One of the best low-risk signings of this offseason could be right guard Geoff Schwartz. The 29-year-old has struggled to stay on the field since 2010 but is talented. The New York Giants simply couldn’t continue to count on him. He’d be a great starter for a zone-blocking team if he can piece together a 16-game season. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Miami Dolphins have registered interested in the former Giant.  

Stefen Wisniewski, C, Jacksonville Jaguars

The best center still on the market is 26-year-old Stefen Wisniewski. The zone-blocking scheme specialist is a good starter who is still in the prime of his career. He was ranked as Bleacher Report NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller’s 15th-best center in 2015. He shouldn’t have a tough time finding work.

Defensive Ends

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Robert Ayers, DE, New York Giants

New York Giants free agent Robert Ayers is the best pure pass-rusher on the market. The 30-year-old now seems primed to cash in on his improvement and impressive versatility.

Ayers has logged 14 sacks over the last two seasons with the team as a defensive end and nickel interior rusher. He’s not dominant defender but would be a good option for the right price.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Ayers has visited with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Greg Hardy, DE, Dallas Cowboys

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy is a fascinating case study. He’s one of the best defensive ends in the NFL and only 27, but his history of domestic abuse and locker-room issues could keep him on the market for a while. He’ll be an instant-impact starter if someone wants to roll the dice on him.

Chris Long, DE, Los Angeles Rams

The 30-year-old defensive end was a cap casualty prior to free agency by the Los Angeles Rams. He’s a perfect 4-3 strong-side defensive end who can rotate to stay fresh. He’s accumulated 54.5 sacks in his nine NFL seasons. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Dallas Cowboys will host him on a visit this week. Rapoport reported he will also visit the Falcons, per NFL.com.

Defensive Tackles

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Terrance Knighton, DT, Washington Redskins

The man called “Pot Roast” hits free agency for the second straight offseason. Terrance Knighton is able to eat blockers as a 3-4 and 4-3 nose tackle at 6’3” and 354 pounds. He wasn’t able to replicate the success last season as he had in Denver back in 2014. A return to a 4-3 front may help the giant tackle.  

Sealver Siliga, DT, New England Patriots

Somewhat lost in New England’s deep defensive tackle rotation in 2015 was Sealver Siliga. He doesn’t have a household name, but he is a stout run defender capable of fitting multiple schemes. He’ll be just 26 years old this season and could flourish in a new situation that can offer more opportunity.

Paul Soliai, DT, Atlanta Falcons

A massive 1-technique in a 4-3 defense, the veteran Paul Soliai was released by the Atlanta Falcons to save cap space. The 32-year-old won’t be the type to fill the stat book, but he helps others make the money plays. He’s still a capable run defender and demands the attention of two blockers.

Linebackers

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Zach Brown, LB, Tennessee Titans

Zach Brown, 26, is now in position to fight for a starting job as he parted ways with the Tennessee Titans. He was a high-variance player in Tennessee and was replaced by two other linebackers as he fell out of favor due to injury. He hasn’t logged starter snaps since 2013, but 3-4 teams in need of a boost of young talent should take a flier.

Jerrell Freeman, LB, Indianapolis Colts

The best inside linebacker still available is Jerrell Freeman. The former Indianapolis Colts linebacker developed into a solid player late in his career. He’ll turn 30 years old before the season begins, but his 2015 season was eye-opening. He had always been a talented coverage linebacker, but he took his run defense to a new level last year.

Pro Football Focus graded Freeman as the second-best middle linebacker in the NFL last year. Fox 59 sports anchor Chris Hagan reported Freeman and the Colts are not close on a new deal.

Junior Galette, OLB, Washington Redskins

Once considered a top pass-rusher, Junior Galette hits the free-agent market as damaged goods with a high ceiling. He tore his Achilles last fall before ever logging a snap for the Washington Redskins. He’s able to fit a 3-4 or 4-3 defense and is extremely talented. Tarik El-Bashir from CSN Mid-Atlantic reported he’s looking for a one-year contract to prove his worth.

Tahir Whitehead, OLB, Detroit Lions

Tahir Whitehead of the Detroit Lions is surprisingly under the radar this free-agency period. The 25-year-old has experience as a middle and strong-side linebacker in the last two seasons. The former fifth-round pick should receive interest from 4-3 teams in need of versatility and athleticism. A multiyear deal is fitting for his upside.

Editor's note: The Lions have re-signed Whitehead, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

Cornerbacks

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Prince Amukamara, CB, New York Giants

Cornerback Prince Amukamara is the most talented player at his position left on the market at this point. The 6’0”, 201-pound 26-year-old is a terrific athlete and man-to-man corner. He’s missed at least six games the last two years, and that could lower his value. He’s started just 16 games once in five seasons.

He’d be an excellent candidate to receive a short-term prove-it deal. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Amukamara visited the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday.

Brent Grimes, CB, Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins released cornerback Brent Grimes after trading for Byron Maxwell this week. The 32-year-old has slipped considerably the last two seasons and should be a rotational cornerback. Not many teams will be interested in a 5’10”, 185-pound boundary cornerback at his age. Plus, Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole reported three teams want nothing to do with the behavior of his wife.

Casey Hayward, CB, Green Bay Packers

The market has been surprisingly quiet for Casey Hayward. The former Green Bay Packers corner is experienced as both a slot and boundary player in both man and zone schemes. He should appeal to a variety of teams as he’s just 26 years old. His inability to beat out two rookie cornerbacks in 2015 could be a concern for teams that are thinking of signing him.

Safeties

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Reggie Nelson, FS, Cincinnati Bengals

Reggie Nelson, 32, was once known for his blistering speed and ability to play single-high safety. Now, the Cincinnati Bengals ease pressure off their old secondary by playing a lot of Cover 2. Nelson still has value for this scheme on a short-term deal. Look for contenders to kick the tires on him.

Walter Thurmond III, SS, Philadelphia Eagles

Moving from slot cornerback to strong safety is not a common transition. Walter Thurmond III was able to make the change with great success. He notched a 71-tackle season with three interceptions in his first season at the position. He should be viewed as the top strong safety on the market right now. He’s only 28 and is capable of providing man coverage as well as run support.

Eric Weddle, FS, San Diego Chargers

Eric Weddle, 31, could still be an impact playmaker in the right situation. The former second-round pick played through a groin injury that landed him on injured reserve in 2015. His statistics were limited last year from the injury, and a full offseason to recover should work wonders. He offers rare single-high capability and should be highly sought after by playoff contenders.

All stats used are from Pro-Football-Reference.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.

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