Top Free Agents: Jackson, Ngata headline bulky class of defensive linemen

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 9.

Top Free Agents By Position

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers
• Tight Ends
• Offensive Linemen
• Edge Rushers
• Defensive Linemen
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks
• Safeties

3-4 Defensive Ends

Malik Jackson

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 293 lbs.
Age: 26

2015 stats: 46 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries

Touted as the second-best pass-rusher on the Broncos' roster, Jackson has been gaining momentum as a potential big-money target for a cash-rich team. The Broncos don't want to let the former fifth-round pick go, but if a team decides to open up the checkbook, he's likely to be playing elsewhere next season.

Potential landing spots: Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaye Howard

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 301 lbs.
Age: 27

2015 stats: 57 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Howard might not be the biggest name on the market, but teams looking for an impact defender in a 3-4 defense will likely be fighting for his services. The 27-year-old had a career year in 2015, showcasing his versatility by excelling against both the run and the pass in multiple spots.

Potential landing spots: Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts

Defensive Tackles

Haloti Ngata

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 345 lbs.
Age: 32

2015 stats: 25 tackles, 2.5 sacks

Ngata failed to fill the pass-rush void left by Ndamukong Suh in Detroit during 2015, but he showed enough to be considered a viable option for many teams this offseason. The five-time Pro Bowler isn't the disruptive force he once was, but in the right situation he could return to his run-stuffing ways.

Potential landing spots: Detroit Lions, New England Patriots

Brandon Mebane

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 311 lbs.
Age: 31

2015 stats: 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks

The sturdy Mebane will head into free agency as one of the best value options for a team looking to upgrade its interior rotation. One year after a season in which he missed seven games due to injury, Mebane started all but one game in 2015. Not a splashy option, but one that could solidify a 4-3 interior for the next few seasons.

Potential landing spots: Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons

Nick Fairley

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 308 lbs.
Age: 28

2015 stats: 29 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery

There's still a perceived upside here, despite production steadily declining over the past two seasons. In the right spot, Fairley could be a dominant pass-rusher from the inside, but the same old concerns over work ethic and fitness level still dog the former first-round pick.

Potential landing spots: Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles

Terrance Knighton

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 354 lbs.
Age: 29

2015 stats: 29 tackles, 1.5 sacks

Good ol' "Pot Roast." Anyone looking to upgrade their run defense should consider Knighton, who once again proved his worth by clogging up the middle of the Redskins' defensive front in 2015. He didn't fully exploit the one-year "show me" deal he got from the Redskins last season, but is still among the league's most effective nose tackles.

Potential landing spots: Denver Broncos

Ian Williams

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 305 lbs.
Age: 26

2015 stats: 65 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

Williams is the ideal compact nose tackle. After starting all 16 games for the 49ers in 2016, Williams should get some looks as a high-upside option for teams that need a plug in the middle of their defense.

Potential landing spots: Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, New York Jets, Washington Redskins

Damon Harrison

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 350 lbs.
Age: 27

2015 stats: 72 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Another talented run-stuffer that could be pushed out of town because the franchise has bigger fish to fry. The Jets can only pay so many guys along their defensive line, and Harrison may be the odd man out. When the dust settles, Harrison could be the best value for a team that needs an unmovable nose.

Potential landing spots: Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars

Paul Soliai

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 348 lbs.
Age: 32

2015 stats: 22 tackles, 1 fumble recovery

While not technically a free agent yet, Soliai is set to hit the open market as of March 9, when the Falcons will officially release him. The big veteran has rumored interest in returning to the Miami Dolphins after spending the first seven years of his career in South Beach. Soliai offers a veteran option for teams needing an immediate short-term upgrade. A one- or two-year deal seems likely at this point.

Potential landing spots: Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots

Other notable free-agent defensive linemen

• Akiem Hicks
• Mike DeVito
• Kedric Golston