[mmarra82]

The top defensive free agents this season is led by All-Pro Corner Charles Woodson, cornerback Andre Dyson, linebacker Kendrell Bell, and safeties, Idrees Bashir and Sammy Knight.

At Defensive End the teams will look at many players who bring different attributes. Shaun Ellis, Chad Bratzke, Gary Walker, Aaron Smith, and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila lead this group that can be classified as mediocre. Gary Walker comes off perhaps the most successful season of these players as he finished with 14.5 sacks, but at 32 how many teams will commit long term to Walker. Ellis and Jevon Kearse have the highest demands, and with Ellis having little success last season, and Kearse ranked only the 6th best defensive end, these players may wait a while to sign.

The Defensive Tackle position is led by a group of veterans, many have already reached the age of 30. This 30+ club is led by Seth Payne, Shane Burton, Dan Wilkinson, Hollis Thomas and Dana Stubblefield. With the exception of Payne, many of the free agent defensive tackles are looking for modest contracts, so look for these guys to get snapped up quickly. Wilkinson was an All-Pro in 2003, but his production dropped off in 2004. Just like most of these players who are reaching the end of their careers.

The Inside Linebackers is led by three real good ones, but after that you are looking at reserve type players. Want to bring a championship leader to your defense, then look no further than Kendrell Bell. Bell is only entering his 5th season, but he is just beginning to reach his full potential. Bell can do it all, rush the passer, stop the run, and call out the defensive audibles. If Bell is gone, you could attempt to sign 9 year vet, James Farrior, the former Steeler played just one season in Philly before they decided to part ways, could Farrior be heading back to Pittsburgh? Nate Webster had a monster season with Cleveland last year, however, he lacks the everydown ability the Browns are looking for, making Webster a nice player to be had. The knock on Webster, he is only 5'11".

At Outside Linebacker, the top players are Keith Bulluck, Nate Wayne, Dwayne Rudd, Matt Stewart, and Keith Mitchell. The Titans would have loved to have kept Bulluck but the Titans are struggling to get their cap in good shape. Bulluck is a soid player who has good size, and can be an every down player. The Eagles may be parting with Wayne as well as Farrior. Wayne enjoyed a decent year in Philly. Wayne would be a nice addition for a team looking for a veteran linebacker. Rudd and the Bucs have parted ways after 3 straight NFC Championships. Rudd had been faded out of the Bucs plans and looks for a rebirth somewhere else.

At Cornerback you have a good group this year led by All-Pro Charles Woodson, Andre Dyson, Daylon McCutcheon, Marcus Coleman and Artell Hawkins. Without a doubt Woodson and Dyson are in a class of their own in this group, however, there are very capable starters in this group.

The Safeties fall into the same class as the cornerbacks. The Safety position is led by Idrees Bashir and Sammy Knight, but after that there are very capable starters, including Kenoy Kennedy, Tyrone Carter, and Aric Morris. Looking for a ball hawk then Bashir or Carter fit that role, looking for the punishing hitter, than go no further than Sammy Knight or Kenoy Kennedy.

No matter what your preference, there is plenty to choose from, so choose wisely and make the decision that can get your team to the Super Bowl.