Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents with Full Player Commentary

Now that the anticipated 2010 NFL free agency period has officially started, it's only fitting to take a look at some of the more valuable restricted free agents that are floating around the market. While big names like Julius Peppers and Karlos Dansby head the 2010 NFL free agency storylines, we've also seen veteran running backs like LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook released by their former teams. Expect the first couple hours and days of the 2010 NFL free agency period set abuzz with notable signings, but the crop of free agents is somewhat thin. Here are the top 25 2010 NFL free agents.

#1 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents -Julius Peppers, DE:
Even though he's 30, there's no doubt that Peppers is the cream of not only 2010 NFL free agents crop, but still among the best defensive forces in the game. As a left end, Peppers can be sacking force, the only question looming over his hefty price tag is whether or not he will play to his full capacity. Julius Peppers was long disgruntled in Carolina, sometimes appearing as though he was taking plays off, but it will be interesting to see what he does in a new uniform.

#2 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Karlos Dansby, LB:
Dansby was a fixture in the Cardinals' defense that was seconds away from winning a Super Bowl title in 2009. Teams have mixed reviews on what Dansby can potentially add to their team. He's a fast and smart linebacker, but it's most likely that he'll continue to be an impact role player and not a superstar; not like that's bad or anything.

#3 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Dunta Robinson, CB:
Robinson is definitely the best cornerback of the 2010 NFL free agents. He's in the prime of his career and would be a great defensive piece to any organization that's willing to give him a strong contract, somewhere around $9 million a year.

#4 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Aaron Kampan, DE:
Any team that signs Kampan will know that he's meant to be a defensive end, the position in which he became an NFL fixture for most of his career. While he's in his 30's, several 30-plus-year-old defensive ends in the league have proved doubters wrong, and the 2010 NFL free agency pool has a couple that want to be provers.

#5 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Antrel Rolle, S:
It will be interesting to see how the Cardinals do without Rolle and Dansby. He's thrived since his position transition (CB to S) and has shown the athletic propensity to both make and do special things with an interception. He should come away with a good amount of money after his free agency signing.

#6 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Antonio Bryant, WR:
Bryant didn't have the most consistent or stellar season, but teams looking for a home-run threat receiver will have to look Bryant's way; he's one of the few talents among this 2010 NFL free agency pool of wideouts.

#7 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Leigh Bodden, CB:
Leigh Bodden will be a solid addition to any team. Dunta Robinson will cost more, but there probably won't be that significant of a difference in production and numbers.

#8 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Chad Clifton, T:
He was a solid tackle in the Packers' blocking scheme and overall offensive gameplan for many years. While older, Clifton undoubtedly has much to offer to a team looking for both talent on the line and maturity. Clifton is arguably the best offensive lineman in the 2010 NFL free agency pool.

#9 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Dwan Edwards, DT:
He's far from a dominant sack machine and was certainly overshadowed by teammate Haloti Ngata, but Dwan is a tall lineman that can disrupt the pass. In terms of age, Edwards is in the prime of his career and would be a good addition to defensive fronts looking for a complimentary force.

#10 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Gary Brackett, LB:
I have a hard time seeing Brackett in any other colors than Colts' blue and white, but I'm sure several teams will try hard to pry him away. Brackett is a strong defensive presence, but he is leader above all else. The Colts can't afford to lose him to free agency.

#11 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Kevin Walter, WR:
Walter has quietly blossomed in Houston as the second receiver behind elite teammate Andre Johnson and quarterback Matt Shaub. I imagine many teams are interested in Walter. He goes up well for the ball, and he is far from the diva receiver that is so prominent in the NFL. I believe he has the most potential among the 2010 NFL free agency receivers.

#12 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Terrell Owens, WR:
I'm not sure Owens thought he'd be a 2010 NFL free agent when he signed with Buffalo a year ago, but I don't think he's too sad either. Yes, he's old, and yes, he is T.O., but along with the cameras and drama comes a receiver that can still play at a high level. It's a shame to think of how much better Owens would be if he'd only grow up.

#13 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Darren Sharper, S:
Sharper resurrected his career with the New Orleans Saints and was largely responsible for the previously nonexistent defensive swagger and subsequent Super Bowl victory. Sharper is still a ball hawk and should have several options this offseason.

#14 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Thomas Jones, RB:
Jones is in his 30's now, but unlike the likes of L.T. and Westbrook, Jones didn't carry his offense for several years. He is power back that can surprisingly hit breakaway speeds, and his body is comparatively less beat up than many other colleagues. I think he'll be a huge addition to any team that lands him.

#15 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Ben Watson, TE:
If there's any tight end that is moderately desirable among the 2010 NFL free agency group, it's Ben Watson. He is a great red zone target and will catch his touchdowns, however, Watson doesn't necessarily change games. Perhaps on a team with less offensive weapons Watson would get more consistent looks.

#16 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Chester Taylor, RB:
He is pass-catching, third-down back whose body has benefited, if anything, from running behind Adrian Peterson. Taylor will probably assume a similar role on another team. I think he'd be a strong free agency pick-up.

#17 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Derrick Mason, WR:
Mason is not nearly given the credit that he deserves. While he is 35, he has still managed to eclipse over 1,000 yards receiving in 8 of the past 9 seasons. Even better is that one year wasn't this last one. If he decides he wants to keep playing, Mason will be a good veteran investment.

#18 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE:
Bosch isn't getting any younger, but he still has the drive to make a solid contribution coming off the corner. I can see him getting signed somewhat quickly because there aren't too many usable defensive ends among the 2010 NFL free agency pool.

#19 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Ryan Clark, S:
He will certainly miss playing alongside elite safety Troy Polamalu, but then again, how consistently has Troy been out on the field anyways? In seriousness, Clark is coming off his best year statistically.

#20 of Top 20 2010 NFL Free Agents - Tully Banta-Cain, LB:
He's never been a big-name in the league, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tully draws a good group of suitors. He's 29, but he is coming off of year in which he had 9.5 sacks. Will he produce like that again? While I doubt it, his lower market value may make him attractive.

Other notable 2010 NFL Free Agents:

Derrick Burgess, Chad Pennington, Jason Taylor, Leonard Little, Joey Porter, Nate Burleson, Brian Westbrook, LaDainian Tomlinson, Chris Chambers, Keith Bullock, Scott Fujita, Jamaal Williams, and Roy Williams

Source

Espn.go.com
Rosenthal: Top 50 NFL Free Agents