We continue our 2012 Free Agency Preview with a shift to the offensive side of the bal. Nothing is more important and rebuilding and replenishing an offensive line unit, and here is a look at the top names available this free agent period:
Center/Guards
1) Carl Nicks-Guard (New Orleans): The best interior lineman in this free agent class. A blue-chip player.
2) Scott Wells-Center (Green Bay): He has been a solid starter for the Packers, but they might want to go younger and he could be a nice pickup for another team.
3) Ben Grubbs-Guard (Baltimore): Another solid interior lineman. He helps your offensive line instantly.
4) Chris Myers-Center (Houston): He left Denver and became a fixture for the Texans and their zone running scheme. He could be a very valuable option.
5) Evan Mathis-Guard (Philly): A solid addition and an instant starter right away.
6) Samson Satele-Center (Oakland): Another reliable name and another reliable option for a team in need of a center.
7) Dan Connonlly-Center (New England): He is a versatile player on one of the best offensive teams in football.
8) Vernon Carey-Guard (Miami): At 31, he is a bit old, but he can still play at a productive level.
9) Jake Scott-Guard (Tennessee): He is not flashy, but was a solid starter for the 13-3 49ers this past season.
10) Dan Koppen-Center (New Enlgand): Age and injury concerns knock him down quite a bit.
*Under the Radar Player: Adam Snyder-Guard (San Francisco): He is not flashy, but he was a solid starter for the 13-3 49ers this past season.
**Possible Broncos Addition: Everyone would love to have Carl Nicks, but it is hard to see the Saints letting him get away. I wouldn't mind seeing the Broncos go for a guy like Dan Connolly to add some depth to their young offensive line, but the offensive line is really in pretty good shape.
Tackles
1) Jared Gaither (San Diego): He filled in well for Marcus McNeill last year. The Chargers would be wise to resign him.
2) Demetrius Bell (Buffalo): The Bills really would benefit from holding on to him.
3) Kareem McKenzie (NY Giants): A fixture at tackle for the G-Men for a long time.
4) Barry Richardson (Kansas City): At 26, his age makes him appealing for some teams.
5) Jeff Backus (Detroit): At 34, he is probably better off staying with the Lions.
6) King Dunlap (Philly): Another younger guy who could maybe step in a help a team. His age makes him attractive, but he adds depth if anything else.
7) Brandon Keith (Arizona): At 27, he could be worth a look. He has started a total of 20 games the past two seasons for the Cardinals.
8) Khalif Barnes (Oakland): He is 30, so that could bring his market value down. He started all 16 games last season for the Raiders.
2) Demetrius Bell (Buffalo): The Bills really would benefit from holding on to him.
3) Kareem McKenzie (NY Giants): A fixture at tackle for the G-Men for a long time.
4) Barry Richardson (Kansas City): At 26, his age makes him appealing for some teams.
5) Jeff Backus (Detroit): At 34, he is probably better off staying with the Lions.
6) King Dunlap (Philly): Another younger guy who could maybe step in a help a team. His age makes him attractive, but he adds depth if anything else.
7) Brandon Keith (Arizona): At 27, he could be worth a look. He has started a total of 20 games the past two seasons for the Cardinals.
8) Khalif Barnes (Oakland): He is 30, so that could bring his market value down. He started all 16 games last season for the Raiders.
9) Max Starks (Pittsburgh): He tore his ACL in the playoff loss to Denver, but if he gets checked out okay, then you could bring him in as a veteran to add depth.
10) Guy Whimper (Jacksonville): At 28, he started 15 games last year for the Jags. Maybe he comes in as another guy who adds some depth.
Under the Radar Player: Trai Essex (Pittsburgh): He is not going to come in and be the guy, but you can get him for a good price, and he can provide some depth and versatility in the offensive line.
**Possible Broncos Addition: There isn't anyone in this crop that the Broncos would want to spend some money on. They have Ryan Clady and Orlando Franklin already as their respective bookends. Denver even signed Ryan Harris before the playoff game against the Steelers, so maybe this is one position they wouldn't need to worry about too much.
Under the Radar Player: Trai Essex (Pittsburgh): He is not going to come in and be the guy, but you can get him for a good price, and he can provide some depth and versatility in the offensive line.
**Possible Broncos Addition: There isn't anyone in this crop that the Broncos would want to spend some money on. They have Ryan Clady and Orlando Franklin already as their respective bookends. Denver even signed Ryan Harris before the playoff game against the Steelers, so maybe this is one position they wouldn't need to worry about too much.
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