2011 NFL Free Agency: 30 Most Underrated Players on the Market

When the 2011 free agency period finally starts, NFL fans around the country will celebrate. There is a lot of frustration surrounding the NFL's return to business and fans would normally watch free agency to see how their favorite team is rounding out their roster.

The work stoppage is taking a toll on the players, too.  Many of them are wondering where (or if) they will play in 2010.

When looking at players that fit this mold, I eliminated the top prospects at each position.  The players on this list will be able to join an NFL roster without breaking the bank and leaving cap room for other players, but should also offer solid production.

I'll take a position-by-position look, starting with the big uglies on offense and offering two players at each position group.

Offensive Tackle

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Seattle Seahawks tight end Ryan Hannam and tackle Ray Willis block against the Dallas Cowboys in a pre-season game August 22, 2005 in Seattle. The Cowboys defeated the Seahawks 18 - 10. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Ray Willis, OT Seattle Seahawks, 29:

Willis isn’t attracting a lot of attention, due in part to his absence from the field last season.  He spent last season on injured reserve following a knee injury.  However, the 2005 fourth-round pick can play both guard and tackle positions, creating solid depth.  He is a borderline starter, but could step into the lineup for teams struggling to round out their starting five.

Ryan O'Callaghan, OT Kansas City Chiefs, 28:

O’Callaghan has been a bit up and down in his four-year career, but looked like he was on his way up in 2009,  An injury-riddled 2010 season has him under the radar heading into the eventual free agency period.  For a team needing a RT, O’Callaghan can step in and compete for a starting role. 

Barry Richardson’s emergence last season could make O’Callaghan expendable.

Jared Gaither, OT Ravens could also be on the list, but he's rated fairly high on a few free-agent lists.  His back issues could follow him into the 2011 season, though.  Injury concerns (and age) also kept Damien Woody, OT Jets off this list.

Interior Offensive Line

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 27: Pat Williams #94 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes against David Baas #64 of the San Francisco 49ers at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on September 27, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 27-24. (Phot

David Baas, G/C 49ers, 29:

Prior to the injury to Eric Heitmann, Baas was slated as the starter at left guard this year.  He showed versatility and talent, and will gain attention from teams needing help at either spot.

Samson Satele, C Oakland Raiders, 26:

Satele had a rocky start in Miami, but saw his career energized as Oakland's starting center.  Part of that was just being a good fit for the system, and part was solid coaching and a player learning what it takes to be successful in the NFL.  He should be a great pickup for the right team.

Robert Gallery, G Raiders is another player that has great potential in 2011, but has been sidelined with injuries for chunks of the last two years.  Plus, it is high anticipated that he'll be following his coach to Seattle.

Quarterback

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: Matt Moore #3 of the Carolina Panthers against the San Francisco 49ers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Matt Leinart, QB Houston Texans, 28: At this point Leinart can be called few things other than a bust.  He has been serviceable as a starter, at best, which is a far cry from what the Cardinals expected from him.  Perhaps the most telling sign was the Cardinals’ decision to release Leinart prior to the 2010 season when they had few other options left at the position.

One of the biggest concerns with Leinart during the 2010 training camp was his proclivity to settle for outlet receivers too soon.  With the assembled talent at the receiver positions, more is expected of the quarterback. 

However, there are two issues that haven’t received enough attention.  First, the Cardinals’ offensive line was just plain poor.  Big names underperformed, and lesser players weren’t able to step up.

There was a bigger issue, though.  Larry Fitzgerald wasn’t present in the 2010 preseason, and the passing game struggled because of it.  Placing all the blame on Leinart is misguided.

Matt Moore, QB Carolina Panthers, 27: Pundits got excited about Kevin Kolb and what he was able to do to the San Francisco 49ers defense last season.  However, he had a fair amount of talent around him.  The same can't be said of Carolina, yet Moore threw for over 300 yards against the 49ers.  If Kolb is worth a first round pick, teams should be parked outside Moore’s agent's office when free agency actually starts.

Yes, Moore pressed too much at times and threw several INTs during the 2010 season.  But much of those performances can be overlooked given game and talent circumstances.  After receiving a one year, $3 million tender for the 2010 season, Moore should either be an unrestricted free agent, or a restricted free agent without draft pick considerations if signed.  

He is far and away the best QB prospect available and the most underrated free agent QB.

Bruce Gradkowski, QB Raiders...if anyone is feeling cheated with the Moore selection, Gradkowski has shown some glimpses of quality in Oakland.  He is still young enough (28) that he could come on as a starter in the NFL.  At a minimum, he's a very capable backup QB.

Running Backs

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Runningback Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals leaps past Terence Newman #41 of the Dallas Cowboys during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals def

Tim Hightower, RB Arizona Cardinals, 25:

The Cardinals’ inability to get a deal done with Hightower, or concerns on his ability to be a quality NFL RB, led them to use a second-round draft pick on a RB.  They could have drafted some help for the OL with that pick, which would have likely done more for their running game. 

Hightower has had a decent start to his career in Arizona.  He averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2010, but his total touches were down last year when his receptions dropped from 63 to 21.  He’s a restricted free agent, and that isn’t likely to change under a new CBA, so the Cardinals' decision to draft a RB shows they are likely looking in a different direction at RB.

Put Hightower on a team with an adequate OL and he’ll be a great complement to many backfields in the league.

Tiki Barber, RB New York Giants, 36: 

Why not…he may be 36, but he’s been out of the league for several seasons.  His body could have a year or two left, and for a team needing a RB to step in he’s worth a training camp roster spot.

Darren Sproles is another option to consider here.  The San Diego Chargers have brought in their future at the RB position, but Sproles can sill be at least a positive second option for the right team.

Fullback

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: John Kuhn #30 of the Green Bay Packers scores a 7-yard touchdown reception against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Grayt

John Kuhn, FB Green Bay Packers, 29: 

Kuhn is a great lead-blocker, and can step in as a short-yardage back.  He showed versatility for the Packers in 2010, and still has a few years left in him opening up holes.

Lawrence Vickers, FB Cleveland Browns, 28:

Vickers' value will be low following a poor season in 2010.  He will look to rebound in another city in 2010.

Wide Receiver

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

While it would have been unfathomable to place these two players as anything but top free agents a few years back, attitude issues have caught up with both of these players.  For a team needing solid talent at the position, both of these players can still perform at a high level.

Terrell Owens, WR Cininatti Bengals, 37:

Owens performed fairly well lined up opposite Chad Ochocinco, catching 72 passes for 983 yards.  He added nine touchdowns in 2010, but was inactive for the last game of the season due to waning performance and a knee surgery.  Most of his issues are still in his head, and while he is much improved from the distraction that he became in Dallas, he's still likely to induce headaches on an NFL roster...the question is if he still causes opposing defense more issues than his own locker room.  

The Bengals are going to be looking at their youth at the position, but despite what some pundits claim, there will be a few teams with enough need at the position to sign Owens.

Randy Moss, WR Tennessee Titans, 34: 

Randy Moss will be a bit more challenged to find a team willing to take a flyer on him.  He doesn't train as hard as Owens, and he takes too many plays off over the course of the game.  The suitors will likely be few, but if a head coach can get through to Moss and convince him that he can still contribute at a high level if he works hard, he could show some flashes of the receiver the Patriots signed.  He's at least worth a training camp roster spot and an incentive-laden contract.

There is a lot of quality talent at the WR position.  Steve Smith, WR Giants may miss part of 2011 with a lingering knee injury, but has shown the ability to be a very good WR.  Santana Moss, WR Redskins may be overlooked due to age, but he had a great showing in 2010 on a struggling Redskins team.  Steve Breaston, WR Cardinals is another player to keep an eye on. 

Tight End

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: London Fletcher #59 and Reed Doughty #37 of the Washington Redskins force Bo Scaife #80 of the Tennessee Titans out of the end zone to prevent a touchdown at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins

Bo Scaife, TE Tennessee Titans, 30:

Scaife would not likely be on this list if not for injury issues last season.  He's a solid TE, and while he doesn't stand out as being spectacular at any single aspect of the TE position, he is solid as a pass catcher and blocker.  He can still contribute in the NFL, and a team like the Falcons that need help at the position should show some interest.

Kevin Boss, TE New York Giants, 27:

Boss is a good blocker and like Scaife, can be productive in the red zone.  There should be several teams willing to bid on his services in 2010.

Defensive Tackle

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 27: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by Aubrayo Franklin #92 and Justin Smith #94 of the San Francisco 49ers at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on September 27, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings de

Aubrayo Franklin, NT San Francisco 49ers, 31:

Franklin is primarily a defensive tackle, and has been lined up as a nose tackle for the 49ers.  However, he can also be used as a defensive end. He showed an ability to stuff the run and pressured the quarterback in 2010.  However, he is yet to have a big season when not in a contract year.  

Given his age, and performance concerns when not playing for his next payday, a one year contract or one reliant on incentives may be the best way to get top performance out of Franklin.

Brandon Mebane, DT Seattle Seahawks, 26:

Brandon Mebane continues to be a solid run-stopper, and showed some ability to pressure the QB.  However, he didn't have any sacks in 2010.  This is partly a reflection on not having much help from his playing mate, but he is a solid every-down player.  Pair him up with a pass-rushing DT and his production should increase.

I'd like to put Pat Williams, DT Vikings on this list, but his age is finally catching up with him.  He will be an option for a team needing run-stopping support.

Defensive End

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NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 15: Dave Ball #98 of the Tennessee Titans attempts to tackle Byron Leftwich #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he evades the tackle during a preseason NFL game at LP Field on August 15, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe M

Vernon Gholston, DE New York Jets, 25:

Yes, we all know that the sixth overall draft pick is a bust in the NFL.  He hasn't produced anywhere near where he was expected to for the Jets.

However, the athleticism and big-play ability is still there.  He was drafted into a defense that wasn't a good fit for him; put him into a 4-3 defense and I believe he will show why the Jets drafted him so early.  Defensive ends can take a few years to transition to the NFL, so he could be a late bloomer that sets the right defense on fire.  A team like the Seahawks may find him very useful as a scheme-guy.

Dave Ball, DE Tennessee Titans, 30

Ball showed himself to be a solid pass rusher last season with seven sacks.  He hasn't shown himself to be a true every-down player, but should be able to step in and do what is needed to help a team generate a pass rush.

I want to put Ball's teammate, Jason Babin, on this list, but he is ranked a little too high to qualify.  The Titans are at risk of losing a few big playmakers.

Outside Linebacker

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 20: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons fails to pull in this reception against Thomas Davis #58 of the Carolina Panthers at Georgia Dome on September 20, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Thomas Davis, OLB Carolina Panthers, 27:

Davis only makes this list because he has torn his right ACL twice in the past two seasons.  Otherwise his value would be much higher.  For a team that has some depth at the position, but is willing to gamble on a talent upgrade with injury risks, Davis would be a solid option.

He is a converted safety and has the skill set to rush the QB and drop into coverage.

Leroy Hill, OLB Seattle Seahawks, 28:

My apologies for listing another Seahawk, but Hill could be a steal in free agency.  He has shown flashes of brilliance in Seattle, but off-field issues and an injury ended is season in 2010.  

Seattle gave him a huge contract a few years ago, as he can be top option at OLB.  The injury is behind him, but the troubles...that is tough to predict.

Manny Lawson would be a nice fit for this list, but I put his value to high to actually list him.  

James Anderson, OLB Panthers is one of the better free agents, and is too high on most lists to get consideration here.  I just wanted to point out that the Panthers could lose two very good players in the LB corps.  Does anyone else wonder why they took Newton instead of waiting for Andrew Luck next season?  Is there a chance they don't end up with the top pick in the 2012 NFL Draft?

Inside Linebacker

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HOUSTON - JANUARY 02: Running back Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans rushes past linebacker Kirk Morrison #52 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Reliant Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Kirk Morrison, MLB Jacksonville Jaguars, 29

Morrison has shown himself to be a great run-stopping LB.  He does a good job directing traffic, and can drop back in coverage.  He's not the most astute ILB in the league here, though, so teams will want to take that into consideration when looking at what he can offer.  He's worked out of a 4-3 system; it would be interesting to see what he would offer in a 3-4 set.

Stephen Cooper, ILB San Diego Chargers, 32:

Cooper will be 32 this season, but had a very good campaign prior to his MCL sprain last December.  He should have enough in his legs to be a solid producer for a few more seasons.

Cornerback

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers goes for a catch against Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Imag

Josh Wilson, CB Baltimore Ravens, 26

Wilson was a late trade acquisition for the Ravens last season.  The cost was right, as they used some creative modifications to his playing time early in the season so he only cost the team a fifth-round pick (a few more plays prior to him starting the last game of the season and they would have surrendered their fourth round draft selection).

Wilson is short, but has great speed and cover skills.  He can return kicks as well.

Ike Taylor, CB Pittsburgh Steelers, 31

Taylor had a solid reemergence in 2010, allowing just one TD on the season.  His performance had waned the prior year, but he looks like a solid option for teams needing to bring in a No. 2 CB.  Teams will need to look past his height, but his speed and cover skills should make him a sought-after commodity.

Antonio Cromartie, CB Jets might still have a little life left in him.  Someone will give him a chance, and the Raiders might even break the bank for him.  Unless, of course, there is a cap in 2011.  They've already overpaid for too many players; they'll be challenged once free agency gets here.

Safety

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Brodney Pool #22 of the New York Jets runs down field after intercepting a pass intended for Emmanuel Sanders #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter of the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23,

This position could be at a premium this offseason.  The talent in the draft was down a bit in 2011, so the top free agents will be in demand.

Michael Huff, S Oakland Raiders, 28:

Huff didn't start 2010 looking like he was ready to go, but rebounded into one of the better safeties in the league last season.  He isn't listed all that high on free agent lists, but will likely be one of the top prizes in free agency if the Raiders let him escape the Bay area.

Brodney Pool, S New York Jets, 27:

Pool has shown the ability to play both safety positions.  That level of versatility will make him attractive to several teams needing help in the secondary.  His speed helps make him a solid cover guy and run-stopper.  He is well down most lists of available safeties, but some team will get a great talent.

Special Teams

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Shayne Graham #5 of the New England Patriots kicks a field goal against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots beat the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The change in the kickoff placement for 2011 could have an impact on what teams are looking for in a place kicker.  The need for booming kickoffs will no longer be as important, and will have an impact on what teams value.  

Shayne Graham, K New England Patriots, 33:

Graham didn't miss a FG in 2010, and has been very solid in his career...at least in the regular season.  There could be a fair amount of kickers moving around in 2011 and Graham could be one of the guys that slips under the radar, as FGs haven't been that big of a need for the Patriots.

Matt Bryant, K Atlanta Falcons, 36

Bryant was about as good as kickers got last season.  He was 28-31 in FG tries, and 9-11 from over 40 yards.  He's not as tested in foul weather as other kickers are, but Bryant is down the list with FA kickers.  

Steve Weatherford, P New York Jets, 28:

Weatherford's average was uninspired last season, but that has more to do with the Jets' field position.  He dropped an NFL-best 42 punts inside the 20-yard line.  His average may hurt him on the open market, but not much.