Top Free Agents: Hughes, Hardy atop strong class of edge defenders

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

Jerry Hughes

Height: 6-2
Weight: 254 lbs.
Age: 26

2014 Stats: 10 sacks, 53 tackles, 3 forced fumbles

After a slow start to his career, two straight productive seasons in Buffalo has Jerry Hughes among the top free-agent pass rushers available this offseason. Hughes seems open to making a return to the Bills, but other teams getting involved in the bidding could change things in a hurry, especially with Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul returning to their respective teams on the franchise tag.

Potential landing spots: Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles

Greg Hardy

Height: 6-4
Weight: 275 lbs.
Age: 26

2013 Stats: 15 sacks, 59 tackles, 1 forced fumble

Hardy was suspended for most of the 2014 season and the Panthers' defensive front certainly felt his absence. The off-field issues will now be a concern for teams – as will the potential league discipline he still faces heading into next season – but Hardy's incredible skill set makes him an impact player against both the pass and run.

Potential landing spots: Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers

Pernell McPhee

Height: 6-3
Weight: 280 lbs.
Age: 26

2014 Stats: 7.5 sacks, 27 tackles, 1 forced fumble

He may not be the most well-known name on the free-agent market this offseason, but one team is going to get a steal in Pernell McPhee. A versatile player capable of producing at a number of different positions across the defensive front, McPhee was a breakout star for the Ravens in 2014.

Potential landing spots: Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers

Brian Orakpo

Height: 6-4
Weight: 257 lbs.
Age: 28

2014 Stats: 0.5 sacks, 24 tackles

A pectoral injury brought Brian Orakpo's 2014 season to an end after just seven games, but he'll be in line for a sizable contract if he can prove that he's on track to play in Week 1. Orakpo was a highly productive rush linebacker in Washington and could generate interest at either the same position or as a defensive end in a 4-3 front.

Potential landing spots: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, Indianapolis Colts

Brandon Graham

Height: 6-2
Weight: 265 lbs.
Age: 26

2014 Stats: 5.5 sacks, 47 tackles, 4 forced fumbles

Though Graham didn't see a full workload as part of the Eagles' pass-rush rotation, he was extremely productive off the edge when he was on the field. He'll be an under-the-radar free agent because of such a strong group of players at the position, but teams should be lining up to see what Graham can do as a full-time starter.

Potential landing spots: Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys

Jason Worilds

Height: 6-2
Weight: 262 lbs.
Age: 27

2014 Stats: 7.5 sacks, 59 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception

After returning to the Steelers for one season on the transition tag, Jason Worilds is set to hit the free-agent market this spring. While he may qualify as a second-tier player among this group, his consistent ability to create pressure will have a number of 3-4 teams interested in bringing him aboard. At this point, joining long-time Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau in Tennessee seems like an obvious fit.

Potential landing spots: Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns

Derrick Morgan

Height: 6-3
Weight: 261 lbs.
Age: 26

2014 Stats: 6.5 sacks, 63 tackles, 2 forced fumbles

Bringing some substantial value to this group, Morgan is another edge defender that will be a solid acquisition for a team heading into 2015. The six-year pro has proven himself to be a productive pass rusher off the edge and he possesses the versatility to showcase that ability in a number of different defensive schemes.

Potential landing spots: Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles

Jabaal Sheard

Height: 6-3
Weight: 264 lbs.
Age: 25

2014 Stats: 2 sacks, 44 tackles

A down season will likely hurt Sheard's stock heading into free agency, but consistent production in each of the three years prior goes a long way toward demonstrating what he's capable of as an edge rusher. Though returning to the Browns could be an option, Sheard will generate plenty of interest elsewhere on the open market.

Potential landing spots: Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Washington Redskins

Other notable free-agent edge defenders

• Trent Cole
• Akeem Ayers
• Adrian Clayborn
• Brooks Reed
• O'Brien Schofield
• James Harrison
• Dwight Freeney
• Osi Umenyiora
• Mathias Kiwanuka
• LaMarr Woodley