Top Free Agents 2007

Here's the Fanatics look at the top free agents, by position, for 2007. The top talent is thin, so look for teams to sign the top guns quickly.

QUARTERBACKS

1. Jeff Garcia, Philadelphia

Scrappy leader. Guided Eagles to playoffs, but may be best suited as No. 2 at this stage of career.

2. Brad Johnson, Minnesota

Accurate passer who can manage a game, but interception totals were way up in '06.

3. Kerry Collins, Tennessee

Not much film to evaluate from '06; started three games before giving way to Vince Young.

4. Aaron Brooks, Oakland

Teases with potential, but didn't show much with awful Raiders.

5. Drew Bledsoe, Dallas

He can't dodge defenders anymore, but he still has a strong arm and leadership ability. On the right team with a decent offensive line, he could be this years Jeff Garcia.

Worth a look: Anthony Wright (Cincinnati)


RUNNING BACKS

1. Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis

A poor man's Emmitt Smith; not very fast, not very flashy, but moves the chains. The DUI arrest didn't help either.

2. Ahman Green, Green Bay

Age and injury concerns, but still productive; posted sixth 1,000-yard rushing season in '06.

3. Jamal Lewis, Baltimore

Lots of wear and tear on his body, but did gain 1,132 yards with nine TDs last season.

4. Correll Buckhalter, Philadelphia

Missed three of last five seasons because of injury problems, but did fine job backing up Westbrook in '06.

5. Marcel Shipp, Arizona

Physically and mentally tough; good inside running skills; above average blocker.

Worth a look: Sammy Morris (Miami), LaBrandon Toefield (Jacksonville)


WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Drew Bennett, Tennessee

Tall and lanky, but deceptively fast; good route runner who will go across the middle.

2. Donte' Stallworth, Philadelphia

If you want to go vertical, here's your guy; averaged 19.1 yards per catch in '06.

3. Kevin Curtis, Rams

Not a great route runner, but a speed threat with big-play potential.

4. Ashley Lelie, Atlanta

Good downfield target; tougher than people think; will go up and get the ball.

5. Bobby Engram, Seattle

Still effective in the slot; can find holes in zones; health issues (thyroid condition.

Worth at look: Travis Taylor (Minnesota), Joe Horn (New Orleans)


TIGHT ENDS/FULLBACKS

1. Daniel Graham (TE), New England

Very good blocker, good hands, was under utilized as receiver by Patriots.

2. Reggie Kelly (TE), Cincinnati

Not much of a receiver, but an excellent blocker, also plays H-back.

3. Kyle Brady (TE), Jacksonville

Still a good-blocking TE after 12 seasons as an NFL starter.

4. Jerramy Stevens (TE), Seattle

Lots of talent and playmaking ability, but has yet to live up to his potential.

5. Justin Griffith (FB), Atlanta

Not a hammer, but a good blocker who can catch the ball and run a little.

Worth a look: Eric Johnson, TE, (San Francisco); Cory Schlesinger, FB, (Detroit), Ovie Mughhelli, FB, (Baltimore)


OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. Eric Steinbach, (G), Cincinnati

Naturally athletic, smart, physical; excellent pulling either way; also can play tackle.

2. Kris Dielman (G), San Diego

Former undrafted rookie is tough, aggressive and brings a nasty attitude to the field.

3. Leonard Davis (T), Arizona

Best position may be G; big, strong, but not a hard worker.

4. Luke Petitgout (T), NY Giants

Mentally tough, may not be quick enough to play LT anymore; coming off broken leg.

5. Ruben Brown (G), Chicago

Playing lighter, relying more on quickness than during his heyday.

Worth a look: Tony Pashos (T, Baltimore); Shaun O'Hara (C, NY Giants); Al Johnson (C, Dallas)


DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. Patrick Kerney (DE), Atlanta

Coming off pectoral muscle surgery; plays with effort and energy; gets by on technique and strength.

2. DeWayne White (DE), Tampa Bay

Good upfield ability as pass rusher; plays with leverage; good at working hands inside.

3. Robaire Smith (DT/DE), Tennessee

Solid starter on a bad defensive line; mainly a run defender.

4. Ian Scott (DT), Chicago

Underrated nose tackle played well in place of Tank Johnson; has some penetration skills.

5. Anthony Adams (DT), San Francisco

Fairly athletic with some penetration skills; 33 starts in past 3 seasons with 49ers.

Worth a look: Ron Edwards, DT, (Kansas City), Kenyon Coleman (DE, Dallas).


LINEBACKERS

1. Adalius Thomas, Baltimore

Can cover and play on line, decent vs. run but pass rushing is his forte in the 3-4.

2. Joey Porter, Pittsburgh

Brings size and attitude to the 3-4; pass rusher still good for 7-10 sacks a year at age 29.

3. Cato June, Indianapolis

Weakside 'backer led Colts in tackles (162; strong in coverage — eight INTs in past two seasons.

4. London Fletcher, Buffalo

Durable, tough, so-so in coverage; turns 32 in May, but still a tackling machine.

5. Tully Banta-Cain, New England

Good pass rusher in 3-4 whose forte is speed; might excel playing on artificial turf.

Worth a look: Napoleon Harris (Minnesota), Kawika Mitchell (Kansas City); Donnie Edwards (San Diego)


DEFENSIVE BACKS

1. Nate Clements (CB), Buffalo

Great athlete, excellent corner with elite speed; physical against the run; headed for big payday. The gem of free agency.

2. Nick Harper (CB), Indianapolis

Four-year starter will attract lots of interest in weak corner market; three INTs, 11 breakups in '06.

3. Ken Hamlin (S), Seattle

Very athletic, big hitter at FS hasn't lived up to his potential; overcame serious head injury in '05.

4. Deon Grant (S), Jacksonville

Free safety has started 96 straight games; not flashy but can play the run and defend the pass.

5. Michael Lewis (S), Philadelphia

Physical player, '04 Pro Bowler; a liability in coverage was benched midway through '06.

Worth a look: Todd Johnson, S, (Chicago), Brian Russell, S, (Cleveland)


PUNTERS/KICKERS

1. Todd Sauerbrun (P), New England

End-of-season pickup performed well in postseason for Patriots.

2. Matt Turk (P), Rams

Revived career with strong season ; turns 37 in June.

3. Jay Feely (K), NY Giants

Good, not great kicker topped 100 points for fourth time in career in '06.

4. Martin Gramatica (K), Dallas

Late season pickup kicked well enough that Cowboys want to re-sign.

5. Chad Stanley (P), Houston

Averaged only 41.6 yards per punt, but had a good net average (36.7.

Worth a look: Morten Andersen, K, (Atlanta), Billy Cundiff, K, (New Orleans)