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Best Available NFL Free Agents-Defense
Story URL: http://profootball.scout.com/2/789813.html
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Adam Caplan
ScoutNFLNetwork.com | Sep 12, 2008 |
Here's an updated look at the best available NFL free agents from the defensive side of the football. Teams still looking for help at linebacker and cornerback can find some roster depth left in free agency.
Defensive Tackle
Rod Coleman - The Atlanta Falcons decided to go with younger players in his
place. He's had his injuries but Coleman should have one more productive year
left in him.
Ian Scott - He's had his share of injuries in the past two years but when
healthy, Scott is a very serviceable third tackle.
Marcus Tubbs - The former first-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks needs to
prove he's over his injury problems.
Anthony McFarland - He's coming back from patella tendon surgery but the feeling
is he'll be able to contribute to a team in a reserve role this season.
Tim Anderson
Michael Myers
Matthias Askew - A former fourth-round pick of the Bengals.
Ethan Kelley - Despite coming back from microfracture knee surgery, he's had at
least three free agent visits so far this year.
Antonio Garay - He fits in as a fourth defensive tackle.
Ross Koloziej - He fits in as a fourth or fifth defensive tackle.
Russell Davis - He fits in as a fourth or fifth defensive tackle.
Defensive End
Rosevelt Colvin - You have to wonder how much he has left in the tank
after a team that's hurting for sacks like the Houston Texans cut him.
Bryce Fisher - At this point in his career, he fits in as a
fourth end.
Darrion Scott - Legal issues could prevent him from finding a place to play this
season since he's suspended for three games.
Rodney Bailey (DE in 3-4/DT in 4-3)
Melvin Oliver - He was recently released by the San Francisco 49ers but he's a
decent fit for a team that uses a 3-4.
Inside Linebacker
Al Wilson - He's been cleared to play by a neck/spine specialist but remains
unsigned.
Brandon Moore (WLB) - He's a solid backup that can play at a variety of
positions.
Victor Hobson - He'll offer a team solid depth.
Derrick Pope (SLB/WLB) - It was a bit surprising that this versatile linebacker
was released by the Minnesota Vikings.
Odell Thurman - The Cincinnati Bengals decided they would move on without him
and he's been suspended by the NFL for a year.
Lemar Marshall (WLB) - He would be a solid backup linebacker who can play inside
or on the weak-side.
Jeremiah Trotter - He had a free agent visits recently so Trotter wants to play
at least one more season but it would have to be in a backup role.
Brian Simmons (WLB) - He refused a pay cut and was released recently by the New Orleans Saints.
Outside Linebacker
Carlos Polk - He lost out to Marques Harris.
Dontarrious Thomas (WLB/MLB) - Versatile backup.
Donnie Spragan
Rocky Boiman (MLB)
Matt Chatham - It wouldn't be a surprise if he winded up back in New England.
Matt Stewart
Keith Adams
Raonall Smith
Shawn Barber
T.J. Slaughter
Mario Haggan - He'll be serving a four-game suspension in 2008.
Safety
Greg Wesley - He was recently released by the Oakland Raiders.
John Lynch - He may be done playing.
Glenn Earl - He was a starter for the Houston Texans for a few seasons.
Terrence Holt - He's been cut by two teams in less than eight months but
Holt offers decent depth.
Stuwart Schweigert
Mike Green - The Seattle Seahawks released him recently and he's a
decent backup safety.
Deke Cooper - He was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons.
Mike Doss
Gary Baxter - He's still trying to come back from a serious knee injury.
Omar Stoutmire - The journeyman safety is still a decent backup.
Lance Schulters
Lamont Thompson
Jerome Carter
Travares Tillman
Bhawoh Jue
Gerome Sapp
Jason Simmons
Mel Mitchell - He's a solid special teams player.
Cornerback
Fernando Bryant - He could still start for a team or at least handle a
nickel role. However, Bryant has had his share of injuries over the years.
Ty Law - He's likely looking at a nickel job if he signs with a team this
season.
Jason Webster - The New England Patriots recently released the journeyman nickel
back.
Andre Dyson - If healthy, Dyson could land a job as a nickel back.
Kenny Wright - Legal woes cost him a job with the Cleveland Browns.
Kelly Herndon - He could come in and handle a nickel role for a team.
Jamar Fletcher - The former first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins its in as a
dime back.
Ricardo Colclough - The former second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers fits
in as a dime back.
Duane Starks - He was recently released by the Oakland Raiders. The oft-injured
defensive back still could find a job in a nickel or dime role this season.
Fred Thomas - Older cornerback who could play in a dime role.
Roc Alexander - Versatile defender who fits best in a dime defense.
Dexter Wynn (KR/PR)
Chidi Iwuoma - He's primarily a special teams player but a good one in that
role.
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