ESPN’s Bill Polian has a major Insider file
out ranking the upcoming class of free agents.
He divided them into three tiers:
A Players: Worth paying big, starter-caliber money.
B Players: Guys I would sign but only if the value made sense.
C Players: Guys I'd sign for low-salary, short-term (one or two years) value, with low bonuses.
Let’s look at how Polian views free-agents-to-be coming out of the AFC South. Obviously he's got some special insight, and regard, for the Colts on this list:
A Players:
Titans TE Jared Cook
Polian: “I think he'll command some money based on his potential.”
Kuharsky: Polian mentions Cook as a franchise possibility, and I suspect that is what will happen.
Jaguars FB Greg Jones
Polian: “Can he pass a physical? And is he affordable? He is one of the few FBs who can carry the ball and do it well.”
Kuharsky: Both Super Bowl teams used fullbacks, but it’s still a position that’s fading.
Colts OLB Dwight Freeney
Polian: “I see Freeney as a fit in a Wide-9 scheme or as a 4-3 DE. I believe he still has a lot of talent, but age is definitely a concern.”
Kuharsky: He’s going to want more years than he’s going to be able to get.
Texans S Glover Quin
Polian: “If you want a safety to play man, cover ground, and go up and play in the nickel on the line of scrimmage, this is a guy who does all of that well.”
Kuharsky: Like Polian, I think the Texans will make a big push to keep Quin in Houston.
B Players:
Colts QB Drew Stanton
Titans RB Javon Ringer
Colts WR Austin Collie
Jaguars DT Terrance Knighton
Titans DT Sen'Derrick Marks
Titans K Rob Bironas
Colts WR Donnie Avery
Titans RB Darius Reynaud