#6 – Detroit Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah
The Lions would be foolish to let their best pass rusher walk in free agency. Despite dealing with ankle, back, and knee injuries in 2017, Ansah still recorded 12 sacks, three tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble.
He will likely be considered the top free agent pass rusher along with Lawrence but has been more consistent than the Cowboys star defensive end.
The Lions former first-round pick out of BYU has racked up 207 tackles, 44 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, and 10 forced fumbles in just five seasons.
#5 – New England Patriots CB Malcolm Butler
While Butler will always be remembered for his interception in Super Bowl XLIX, the Patriots 5-foot-11, 190-pound cornerback has been one of New England’s most consistent players over the past three seasons.
The undrafted corner out of West Alabama is coming off another productive year in New England and is looking to add a third Super Bowl ring to his resume. Butler recorded 60 tackles, 12 passes defended, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles during the regular season.
He is sure to draw plenty of interest around the league and may be the best cornerback to hit free agency this offseason.
#4 – Los Angeles Rams C John Sullivan
Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth received plenty of praise for Los Angeles’ turnaround in 2017, but Sullivan also played a big factor in the team’s offensive line improvement.
The nine-year veteran signed a one-year deal with the Rams in free agency and would go on to start 15 regular season games and the team’s playoff loss to Atlanta.
Sullivan, 32, has started in 109 games since entering the league in 2008 and should be considered one of the top free agent centers alongside Richburg and Jensen this offseason.