Pre-Free Agency Primer

Here are your predictions for the top six players available at each position in the 2012 class of free agents. Feel free to criticize, agree with, and/or give me your predictions in the comments below.

Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning (Colts)
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals
I'll refer to a prior post of mine that detailed why Manning is right for Arizona and Arizona is right for Peyton Manning: Elite wide receiver target, small market obscurity; little media scrutiny, University of Phoenix Stadium and its lovely, convenient dome.


2. Jason Campbell (Raiders)
Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars
Though the New Jersey Jets could be in play here, the Jags have a need at quarterback with only Blaine Gabbert signed at the moment. Campbell would provide cheap, good veteran competition in training camp and someone who Gabbert could potentially learn behind for a year. In other words, let Campbell take the majority of the hits for a year or two while the new front office builds its offense from the ground up.

3. Kyle Orton (Broncos)
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks
Since Denver is a key player in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, I will assume that Orton will be moved to a low-end team in rebuilding mode with a chance to start. Seattle seems to be fading fast as a player for Peyton Manning.

Players that will stay with their respective teams:
Alex Smith (49ers)
Matt Flynn (Packers)
Brian Hoyer (Patriots)


Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

1. Vincent Jackson (Chargers)
Prediction: Washington Redskins
The Skins have a tremendous amount of cap space and a significant need to get talent on offense. Part of this is because Mike Shanahan doesn't have a first round draft pick until 2015. RG3 plus Jackson and Santana Moss would provide this team with the means to make a splash in the NFC East.

2. Reggie Wayne (Colts)
Prediction: Wherever Peyton Manning goes
See "Wherever Peyton Manning goes."

3. Mike Wallace (Restricted, First Round Tender - Steelers)
Prediction: Chicago Bears
Da Bears have already expressed interest in Vincent Jackson, however they'll have a better chance at Wallace given their cap room and precedent of giving away first round picks for overrated players.

4. Brandon Lloyd (Rams)
Prediction: New England Patriots
Lloyd established himself as one of Josh McDaniels' favorite "toys" in St. Louis, and one of Sam Bradford's favorite target. The Patriots lacked a legitimate vertical threat in 2011. Lloyd will help remedy that in 2012.

Players that will remain with their current teams:
Marques Colston (Saints)
Laurent Robinson (Cowboys)


Running Backs

1. Cedric Benson (Bengals)
Prediction: Washington Redskins
Benson is a great between-the-tackles back who is durable. Washington lacks a great offensive line and needs help adding depth with the oft-injured Ryan Torrain.

2. Michael Bush (Raiders)
Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals
Cincy is losing Benson, but they have enough cap space to make room for a 1,000-yard rusher in Michael Bush. Look for the Bengals to add a legitimate ground threat to compliment Andy Dalton/AJ Green.

Players that will remain with their current teams:
Peyton Hillis (Browns)
Mike Tolbert (Chargers)
Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis (Patriots)
Thomas Jones (Chiefs)

Offensive Linemen

Since this position is just a complete free agency cluster-you-know-what, I'm going to pass on predictions...with the exception of disappointing Lions fans by predicting Jeff Backus back on a two-year deal.


Defensive Linemen

1. Mario Williams (Texans)
Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles
Williams is at his best in a 4-3 system, however Philly has a huge need in their front seven. Given the fact that the Eagles front office could be desperate given the disappointment they experienced a season ago, I could see Andy Reid overspending for the best defensive lineman in this year's class.

2. John Abraham (Falcons)
Prediction: New Orleans Saints
Why the hell not? Put Abraham opposite of second-year defensive end Cameron Jordan and you have yourself a worthy defensive line, a problem spot in the Saint's defense.

3. Jason Jones (Titans)
Prediction: San Diego Chargers
Obviously the Chargers have a defensive problem. One of the best interior linemen in football should be a decent front seven remedy.

Players that will remain with their current teams:
Andre Carter (Patriots)
Shaun Rogers (Saints)
Cory Redding (Ravens)

Linebackers

1. Stephen Tulloch (Lions)
Prediction: Tampa Bay Bucs
The Lions won't be able to retain Tulloch given the contract he'll demand (and probably get). The Bucs need help in the second level on their front seven. It's a natural fit.

2. James Farrior (Steelers)
Prediction: New Jersey Giants
Farrior was cut for cap reasons and will likely only consider signing with a team with an established defense. The Giants make perfect sense.

Players that will remain with their current teams:
London Fletcher (Redskins)
Dan Connor (Panthers)
Curtis Lofton (Falcons)
DeAndre Levy (Restricted - Lions)


Defensive Backs

1. Carlos Rogers (49ers)
Prediction: Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are an up-and-coming NFC South team that need talent, especially on defense. The Rams could be an option if they do not take Morris Claiborne with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 Draft.

2. Cortland Finnegan (Titans)
Prediction: Detroit Lions
Finnegan embodies the attitude that Detroit just loves; the hard-working, hard-hitting corner will fit in with Nndamukong Suh and Louis Delmas as competitive SOBs who love to take their shots.

3. Marcus Trufant (Seahawks)
Prediction: Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings might lose third-year corner Chris Cook to drug-related off-the-field issues. The former second-rounder will be replaced by a veteran and talented defensive mainstay.

Players that will remain with their current teams:
Brandon Carr (Chiefs)
Eric Wright (Lions)
Will Allen (Dolphins)
Tracy Porter (Saints)

Ze End.

P.S. In a week, I'll re-visit these and see how wrong I was. Stay tuned.