As we approach the start of NFL’s free agency on March 11th, teams are busy making preparations to make some big moves. With players being traded, released and deals being restructured, it’s shaping up to be an exciting time for football fans. But as with any free agency class, there are bound to be some areas that are stronger than others. In this article, we take a look at the different position groups and rank them from the deepest to the shallowest.
1. Edge Rushers
In today’s pass-heavy NFL, having a dominant edge rusher is crucial and fortunately for teams in need, this year’s free agency class is stacked with talent in this position. Jadeveon Clowney, Yannick Ngakoue, and Shaquil Barrett are just a few of the big names that will be available. These players have proven themselves to be game-changers and will surely draw a lot of attention from teams looking to bolster their pass rush.
2. Interior Offensive Linemen
Another position group that is deep in talent is the interior offensive lineman. With players like Joe Thuney, Brandon Scherff, and Graham Glasgow set to hit the market, teams in need of help on their O-line have plenty of options to choose from. These players are not only strong blockers but are also able to contribute in the running game, making them highly sought after commodities.
3. Wide Receivers
This year’s free agency class is also rich in wide receiver talent. From Amari Cooper and A.J. Green to Robby Anderson and Emmanuel Sanders, teams looking to add playmakers to their passing game have a variety of options to choose from. These receivers bring different skill sets to the table and are sure to make an impact on any team they join.
4. Defensive Tackles
The interior defensive line group is another area that is strong in this year’s free agency class. Players like Ndamukong Suh, Javon Hargrave, and D.J. Reader are all set to become free agents and will be top targets for teams looking to beef up their defensive line. These players are not only run-stuffers but can also provide a good push up the middle in the passing game.
5. Cornerbacks
While the cornerback position may not be as deep as some of the others on this list, there are still quality options available in the free agency market. Players like James Bradberry, Chris Harris Jr., and Logan Ryan bring experience and playmaking ability to any team in need of help in the secondary.
6. Linebackers
The linebacker position is another area that is not as deep as some of the others, but still has some notable names available. Cory Littleton, Kyle Van Noy, and Danny Trevathan are all solid players who can make an impact on the field. These linebackers are versatile and can contribute both in coverage and against the run.
7. Running Backs
The running back position is one that seems to have lost some value in recent years, as teams rely more on passing offenses. This is reflected in this year’s free agency class, as there are not many big names available. However, players like Melvin Gordon, Derrick Henry, and Kenyan Drake could still provide a good boost to any team’s running game.
8. Safeties
The safety position is the shallowest in this year’s free agency class, with only a handful of notable names available. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Marcus Williams, and Devin McCourty are some of the players set to hit the market. While these players may not be the biggest names, they still bring valuable experience and can make an impact on the field.
In conclusion, this year’s free agency class is stacked with talent in key positions such as edge rushers and interior offensive linemen. Teams in need of help in these areas will have plenty of options to choose from. While some positions may not have as much depth, there are still solid players available who can make an impact on the field. With teams gearing up to spend big, it will be interesting to see which players end up where and how they will impact their new teams.
