Top Free Agents: Ndamukong Suh leads deep class of defensive tackles

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 4:00 p.m. ET on March 10.

Defensive Tackles 

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

Ndamukong Suh

Height: 6-4
Weight: 305 lbs.
Age: 28

2014 Stats: 8.5 sacks, 53 tackles, 12 quarterback hits 

Suh is arguably the best defensive player in this year's free-agent market, and is seeking to become the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL. Suh is one of the best run-stoppers in the league, and his ability to shed multiple blockers makes him an incredibly valuable asset. The Detroit Lions' star has continued to improve as a pass rusher, and his presence on the field opens up more opportunities for edge rushers. Suh has played out of a 4-3 defense for the majority of his career, but could excel in numerous schemes. 

Potential Landing Spots: Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears

Terrance Knighton

Height: 6-3
Weight: 331 lbs.
Age: 28

2014 Stats: 2 sacks, 30 tackles, 5 quarterback hits 

Knighton escaped the anonymity of playing in Jacksonville, and has since excelled in two seasons with the Denver Broncos. Knighton is another one of the NFL's best run-stoppers; look no further than his tour-de-force performance in the 2013 AFC Championship Game for proof. Denver is expected to switch from a 4-3 to 3-4 base defense, and Knighton may change teams as a result. 

Potential Landing Spots: Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Oakland Raiders

Nick Fairley

Height: 6-4
Weight: 308 lbs.
Age: 27

2014 Stats: 1 sack, 14 tackles, 1 forced fumble

Fairley started his career in Detroit with a myriad of on- and off-field distractions, but his talent has never been in doubt and he's been a consummate professional the past two seasons. The 27-year-old is as proficient against the pass as he is against the run. If he and Suh switch teams, he could face double coverage for the first time in his pro career. 

Potential Landing Spots: Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars

Stephen Paea

Height: 6-1
Weight: 308 lbs.
Age: 26

2014 Stats: 6 sacks, 33 tackles, 2 forced fumbles

Paea has quietly put together a couple of good seasons on a porous Chicago Bears' defense, excelling as a pass rusher out of the team's broken 4-3 scheme. Known for his exceptional upper-body strength, Paea famously bench-pressed 225 pounds 49 times at the 2011 combine. The 26-year-old has been the focal point of the team's front seven, and makes hay against single coverage. 

Potential Landing Spots: Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos

Henry Melton

Height: 6-3
Weight: 290 lbs.
Age: 28

2014 Stats: 5 sacks, 15 tackles, 5 quarterback hits

Melton is one of the league's best players at his position when healthy. A converted running back, his combination of speed and power wears down offensive linemen consistently. Over the past two seasons, Melton has suffered a series of knee injuries, making him a low-risk, high-reward proposition for teams operating out of a 4-3 scheme. Dallas declined his option on Feb. 14. 

Potential Landing Spots: Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins

Other notable free agent defensive tackles: 

• Vince Wilfork
• C.J. Mosley
• Jared Odrick
• Dan Williams
• Kevin Williams
• Pat Sims