Top Free Agents: Bryan Bulaga headlines very weak offensive tackle class

With free agency just around the corner, theScore takes a look at the top available players at each position. Unrestricted free agents can officially sign at 4 p.m. ET on March 10.

Top Free Agents By Position
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards/Centers
Defensive Tackles
Defensive Ends
Linebackers
Cornerbacks/Safeties

Offensive Tackles

Bryan Bulaga

Height: 6-5
Weight: 314 lbs.
Age: 25

2014 stats: Four sacks, two quarterback hits, 20 quarterback hurries surrendered

It's rare that a top-flight offensive tackle hits free agency in the prime of his career, but Bulaga mostly fits the bill and thus could break the bank when free agency opens. The 2010 first-round pick graded out as the NFL's second-best pass-blocking right tackle in 2014 after missing the 2013 campaign with a torn ACL. Bulaga could earn significantly more money if he moves back to the left side, where he began his career, but it's likely he will seek to remain on the side of the line where he has excelled. 

Potential landing spots: Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars

Doug Free

Height: 6-6
Weight: 325 lbs.
Age: 31

2014 stats: Three sacks, two quarterback hits, 17 quarterback hurries surrendered

How much of DeMarco Murray's 2014 success was the result of blocking? That's the question general managers will have to answer when determining the value of right tackle Free. They'll also have to determine how important Free was in a scheme that also featured Pro Bowlers Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin. 

Potential landing spots: Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans

Jermey Parnell

Height: 6-6
Weight: 315 lbs.
Age: 28

2014 stats: Zero sacks, one quarterback hit, nine quarterback hurries surrendered

Parnell was effective playing in relief of the injured Free in 2014 and is reportedly gaining buzz as an unheralded free agent who several teams could target as a potential bargain. Teams must decide whether the longtime backup's small but impressive sample size as a fill-in starter is proof he's ready to take the next step in his career. 

Potential landing spots: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins

Joe Barksdale

Height: 6-5
Weight: 326 lbs.
Age: 26

2014 stats: Seven sacks, four quarterback hits, 40 quarterback hurries surrendered

Barksdale can be a liability in pass protection and must remain on the right side of the line, but he is effective opening holes in the running game. He would represent a small upgrade for some teams. 

Potential landing spots: New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears

Other notable free-agent offensive tackles

• Derek Newton
• Byron Bell
• Benjamin Ijalana
• Chris Hairston
• Michael Oher