Projecting Long-Term Potential for the Top 10 2012 NFL Free Agents

The top 2012 free agents are ready to be signed to long-term deals and it is hard to predict their long term potential, but that is what I am going to try to do.

The top free agent, according to nfltraderumors.com, is Drew Brees and his career will probably be one of the best QB careers in NFL history.

10. Ben Grubbs, Baltimore Ravens

Ben Grubbs has been a great offensive guard with the Baltimore Ravens these past five seasons, but his long-term abilities will have to be judged each and every year. He has not been injured many times in his career and he needs to show that he can stay healthy to be effective.

9. Mario Williams, Houston Texans

Mario Williams has only played in five games in 2011 due to injury. He only has five sacks, 11 tackles and one fumbled forced.

However, when Williams is healthy, he is a beast as a defensive end. In 2008, he had a career year with 12 sacks, four forced fumbles and 53 tackles. This is the type of production that Williams should have if he can remain on the field the rest of his career.

8. Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers

Jermichael Finley has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL thanks to Aaron Rodgers. After being hurt for most of the 2010 season, Finley has bounced back with 600 yards and six touchdowns so far in 2011.

Finley's future depends on the team he signs with, but it should be a great future as he is great in any passing game.

7. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Wallace is one of Ben Roethlisberger's favorite targets and the end of his rookie contract is this season. Wallace is a restricted free agent so he is bound to come back to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Wallace is hard to defend with his speed, but depending who is throwing the ball to him is really what will make the difference of how his career pans out.

6. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Matt Forte is a power running back and that is why he is crucial to the Chicago Bears' offensive attack. He is out with a knee injury that could affect his ability to run the ball effectively.

Forte is on pace for over 1000 yards and at least five touchdowns if he can return. His long-term value comes from the healthiness of his knee when or if he returns in 2011.

5. Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Colts

Robert Mathis has been one of the only bright spots for the 2011 Indianapolis Colts who are 0-13. He has 5.5 sacks, 36 tackles and one fumble recovered. His ability at the defensive end to rush the passer should continue is his knees can hold up.

Mathis has missed only nine games over his nine seasons and if he continues this pace he should be a great option for teams that need a good pass rusher.

4. Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Arian Foster is actually having a down year in 2011 after having 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2010. He missed a few games in 2011, but he still has 957 yards and eight touchdowns with three games left to play.

Foster's career will be a great one as long as he can effectively find the holes to run the ball.

3. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Ray Rice is finding the end zone in 2011 with 10 touchdowns in 13 games. He has tallied 1,029 rushing yards and has been used some in the passing game. His abilities at the running back position will only get better and he should remain a Baltimore Raven for a long time and could be a great option for years to come.

2. Carl Nicks, New Orleans Saints

Carl Nicks has helped Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints become even better over the past four years thanks to his prowess at the guard position. He protects Brees very well and allows him to pass the ball with ease.

If Nicks can stay relatively healthy, Brees and Nicks will both benefit from it in the passing attack.

1. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Brees is on fire in 2011 with 32 touchdown passes and 4,368 yards through 13 games. He is on pace to pass Dan Marinos's single season record for passing yards which is a little over 5,000 yards.

Brees has been in the NFL for 11 seasons and he still has five to seven years left in his body if he can remain healthy. Brees will have the best career out of all the 2012 free agents.