NFL Free Agency 2012 Preview – Offensive Guard/Center

Today is part 2 of our look at the free agent offensive linemen with today’s focus being on the guards and centers. There’s alot of nice pieces here so let’s get to it.

1. Carl Nicks, OG – Saints

Nicks is one of the best guards in the NFL and the Saints would be very sorry to see him go. However, with Jahri Evans getting a big contract not long ago, Drew Brees expected to get a huge contract this offseason and the Saints having many other free agents, they may choose to let Nicks test the market and if he gets a big offer could be leaving New Orleans. With so many teams needing offensive line help, expect Nicks to be one of the most sought after free agents this year.

Possible landing spots: NO, WAS, KC, MIN, STL, IND, TB, CLE, JAC, CAR, ARI, DAL, PHI, NYJ, CIN, SD, CHI, TEN, DET, PIT, NE

2. Ben Grubbs, OG – Ravens

Despite the turmoil the Ravens offensive line has had in recent years, Grubbs has excelled and a good bit of the Ravens success in the run game can be attributed to him. I don’t expect Baltimore to allow him to reach free agency but should he do so expect him to have similar interest to Nicks.

Possible landing spots – BAL

3. Chris Myers, OC – Texans

Myers is the Texans best kept secret. An extremely underrated player, Myers secured his position as the starting center in Houston this year and has proven to be a solid player who has worked hard. Myers will get paid this offseason and I expect that he will either remain in Houston or end up with an oversized contract on a team that overpays like the Redskins or Cowboys.

Possible landing spots – HOU, WAS, DAL

4. Scott Wells, OC – Packers

Like Myers, Wells is a lesser known and very underrated player who works his butt off. His main issue is that he’s not a big guy which means he doesn’t get the same respect as a traditional center might. With that being said, he’s a perfect fit in the Packers system and I expect him to remain there.

Possible landing spots – GB

5. Jeff Saturday, OC – Colts

Saturday is one of the most recognizable offensive linemen in the NFL and has become so because of the protection he has given Peyton Manning over the years, despite a lot of the time not having the best crew around him. Saturday is getting on in years, but still plays at a very high level. In the unlikely event Manning stays in Indianapolis, so will Saturday. Should Peyton move on, expect Saturday to sign with that team. The one team this may not happen with is Miami, as they drafted Mike Pouncey in the first round last year. Although Pouncey has the ability to play guard, should Manning insist that Saturday be his starting center.

Possible landing spots – wherever Peyton Manning signs

Watch out for – Nick Hardwick (C), Kory Lichtensteiger (C/OG), Dan Koppen (C)

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