Nov. 15, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd (31) recovers a fumble during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jairus Byrd, Buffalo Bills (26)

Byrd is one of the top safeties in the game, and if he’s not given a massive deal from the Bills, he will most certainly be tagged.

Prediction: Franchised by Bills

Actual: Franchised by Bills

2. Dashon Goldson, San Francisco 49ers (28)

It’s been reported that Goldson will not be given the franchise tag with the Niners. There may be some other clubs that will be willing to give him a big contract this offseason.

Prediction: Signs with Bengals

Actual: Signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

3. Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens (34)

Reed may be too pricey for the Ravens after some of their contracts are given out to younger players. There are some connections to other teams out there that could intrigue him.

Prediction: Signs with Patriots

Actual:

4. Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers (35)

Woodson wants to go to a contender, and there aren’t many contenders that wouldn’t want to have him. He is still a very effective player when he’s healthy.

Prediction: Signs with Broncos

Actual:

5. Louis Delmas, Detroit Lions (26)

Delmas needs to find a way to stay healthy, but he’s a very good safety when he can stay on the field. I think the Lions will work hard to keep him around.

Prediction: Re-signs with Lions

Actual:

6. Kenny Phillips, New York Giants (26)

The Giants would love if Phillips could stay healthy, because he is a very good safety when he’s not on the injured list. That’s been a problem as of late, however. His time in New York could be done with the breakout season from Stevie Brown.

Prediction: Signs with Panthers

Actual: Signed with Philadelphia Eagles

7. LaRon Landry, New York Jets (28)

Landry had a really good season for the Jets, and was able to stay relatively healthy. He wants about $6 million per season, which isn’t unreasonable for a player of his caliber.

Prediction: Signs with 49ers

Actual: Signed with Indianapolis Colts

8. William Moore, Atlanta Falcons (28) — Signed 5 year deal with Falcons

9. Glover Quin, Houston Texans (27) — Signed with Detroit Lions

10. Stevie Brown (RFA), New York Giants (26) — Tendered by Giants (2nd round)

11. Quintin Mikell, St. Louis Rams (33)

12. George Wilson, Buffalo Bills (32) — Signed with Atlanta Titans

13. Patrick Chung, New England Patriots (26) — Signed with Philadelphia Eagles

14. Chris Clemons, Miami Dolphins (27) — Re-signed with Miami Dolphins

15. Adrian Wilson, Arizona Cardinals (33)

16. Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (38)

17. Nate Clements, Cincinnati Bengals (33)

18. Corey Lynch, San Diego Chargers (28)

19. Chris Crocker, Cincinnati Bengals (33)

20. Colt Anderson (RFA), Philadelphia Eagles (27)

21. Jamarca Sanford, Minnesota Vikings (28)

22. Yeremiah Bell, New York Jets (35) 

Oct 7, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) pulls in a touchdown pass against Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith (24) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Dolphins won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

1. Sam Shields (RFA), Green Bay Packers (25)

Shields has developed into a very good NFL cornerback. He will get a big payday with the Packers in the near future.

Prediction: Re-signs with Packers

Actual: Tendered by Packers (2nd round)

2. Aqib Talib, New England Patriots (27)

Talib is one of the best corners in the league, but he’s got a lot of off-field issues. The Patriots took a gamble on him and it looks like it will pay off.

Prediction: Franchised by Patriots

Actual:

3. Sean Smith, Miami Dolphins (26)

It would be a really big loss if the Dolphins are unable to retain Smith, who was the man leftover after Vontae Davis was dealt to Indy. The Dolphins have a tough situation with Randy Starks and Sean Smith both about to command big contracts, and only one guaranteed to be back.

Prediction: Signs with Colts

Actual: Signed with Kansas City Chiefs

4. Keenan Lewis, Pittsburgh Steelers (27)

It doesn’t feel like the Steelers usually lose key starters on their defense to free agency, and I don’t expect Lewis to be any different here.

Prediction: Re-signs with Steelers

Actual: Signed with New Orleans Saints

5. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Philadelphia Eagles (27)

The Eagles won’t be using the franchise tag on Rodgers-Cromartie, who is a big, young, former Pro Bowl player. I think his age will make him a desired player on the open market.

Prediction: Signs with Chargers

Actual: Signed with Denver Broncos

6. Dunta Robinson, Atlanta Falcons (30) — Signed 3-year deal with Kansas City Chiefs

7. Derek Cox, Jacksonville Jaguars (26) — Signed with San Diego Chargers

8. Leodis McKelvin, Buffalo Bills (28) — Re-signed with Buffalo Bills

9. Chris Houston, Detroit Lions (28) — Re-signed with Detroit Lions

10. Bradley Fletcher, St. Louis Rams (26) — Signed with Philadelphia Eagles

11. Brent Grimes, Atlanta Falcons (30) – 

12. Nnamdi Asomugha, Philadelphia Eagles (32)

13. DeAngelo Hall, Washington Redskins (29)

14. Cary Williams, Baltimore Ravens (28) — Signed with Philadelphia Eagles

15. Tony Carter, Denver Broncos (27) — Re-signed by Denver Broncos

16. William Gay, Arizona Cardinals (28) — Signs with Pittsburgh Steelers

17. E.J. Biggers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26) — Re-signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

18. Quentin Jammer, San Diego Chargers (34)

19. Sheldon Brown, Cleveland Browns (34)

20. Jerraud Powers, Indianapolis Colts (26) — Signed with Arizona Cardinals

21. Captain Munnerlyn, Carolina Panthers (25)

22. Antoine Cason, San Diego Chargers (27)

23. Mike Jenkins, Dallas Cowboys (28)

24. Greg Toler, Arizona Cardinals (28) — Signed with Indianapolis Colts

25. Robert McClain (RFA), Atlanta Falcons (25)

26. Jacob Lacey, Detroit Lions (26)

27. Terrance Newman, Cincinnati Bengals (34)

28. Aaron Ross, Jacksonville Jaguars (30) — Signed with New York Giants

29. Kyle Arrington, New England Patriots (27)

30. Pacman Jones, Cincinnati Bengals (30)

31. Darius Butler, Indianapolis Colts (27) — Re-signed with Indianapolis Colts

32. Tracy Porter, Denver Broncos (27)

33. William Middleton, Jacksonville Jaguars (27)

34. Alan Ball, Houston Texans (28)

35. Rashean Mathis, Jacksonville Jaguars (33)

36. Christopher Owens, Atlanta Falcons (26)

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Brad Jones (59) during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brad Jones, Green Bay Packers (27)

Brad Jones has developed into one of the top inside linebackers in the NFL, and the Packers can afford to let A.J. Hawk hit the open market this offseason and have Jones take over along with Desmond Bishop at inside linebacker.

Prediction: Re-signs with Packers

2. Dannell Ellerbe, Baltimore Ravens (27)

Ellerbe missed some time this past season for the Ravens, and he was sorely missed. It’s hard to believe, but it’s possible that the only returning starting linebacker for the Ravens this next year will be Terrell Suggs with their horrid cap situation and need to re-sign Joe Flacco to a long-term deal.

Prediction: Signs with Texans

Actual: Signed with Miami Dolphins

3. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears (35)

Can Marc Trestman really start off his time with the Bears by letting one of the most legendary players in team history go? I am not so sure he’ll allow that to happen. Urlacher will likely be back with the Bears on a short deal.

Prediction: Re-signs with Bears

Actual:

4. Rey Maualuga, Cincinnati Bengals (26)

I think the Bengals will try to re-sign Maualuga, but I’m not sure he’ll be interested in being relegated to a two-down player out of position. He may look to see what kind of deal he can get elsewhere.

Prediction: Signs with Raiders

Actual:

5. Bart Scott, New York Jets (33)

CAN’T WAIT to see where Bart Scott lands. He is still an effective run-stuffer for a 3-4 team.

Prediction: Signs with Chiefs

Actual:

6. Takeo Spikes, San Diego Chargers (36)

7. Dan Connor, Dallas Cowboys (28)

8. Jasper Brinkley, Minnesota Vikings (28)

9. Larry Grant, San Francisco 49ers (28)

10. Chase Blackburn, New York Giants (30)

11. Larry Foote, Pittsburgh Steelers (33) — Re-signed with Pittsburgh Steelers

12. Bradie James, Houston Texans (32)

13. Tim Dobbins, Houston Texans (30)

14. Brandon Siler, Kansas City Chiefs (27)

15. Keith Brooking, Denver Broncos (37)

16. Stewart Bradley, Arizona Cardinals (29) — Signed with Denver Broncos

17. Demorrio Williams, San Diego Chargers (33)

18. Moise Fokou, Indianapolis Colts (28) — Signed with Tennessee Titans

19. Paris Lenon, Arizona Cardinals (35)

Dec 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (52) lines up during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

1. Paul Kruger (DE/OLB), Baltimore Ravens (27)

The Ravens will not be able to afford bringing back Kruger, who would like to come back, but thanks to Joe Flacco’s performance in the playoffs, Baltimore won’t be able to afford hardly anybody. He had nine sacks in the regular season, and he dominated the playoffs.

Prediction: Signs with Browns

Actual: Signs with Cleveland Browns

2. Philip Wheeler, Oakland Raiders (28)

Wheeler had a phenomenal season for the Raiders last year on a one year deal, basically an afterthought in free agency. He has earned one big pay day and I think he will be a key piece for the Raiders moving forward.

Prediction: Signs with Raiders

Actual: Signs with Miami Dolphins

3. Connor Barwin (DE/OLB), Houston Texans (26)

The Texans have made it known that they want Barwin back next season. They can’t lose arguably their top pass rusher from the OLB position two straight offseasons. I think the tag is a real option for Barwin.

Prediction: Re-signed by Texans

Actual:

4. Daryl Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars (31)

Daryl Smith is a really good player, but he’s got to be getting restless waiting for the Jaguars to put a solid team around him. I think Smith has to be ready to go after a championship at this point in his career. Then again, he may feel like he wants to see things through with Jacksonville.

Prediction: Signs with Bengals

Actual:

5. James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers (35)

Harrison was a cap casualty for the Steelers but he is still a solid player who wants to help a contender.

6. Shaun Philips (DE/OLB), San Diego Chargers (32)

It’s going to be tough to see Philips anywhere but San Diego. He is an aging pass rusher and San Diego desperately needs his services.

Prediction: Re-signs with Chargers

Actual:

7. Thomas Howard, Cincinnati Bengals (30)

8. Nick Barnett, Buffalo Bills (32)

9. Manny Lawson, Cincinnati Bengals (29) — Signed with Buffalo Bills

10. D.J. Williams, Denver Broncos (31)

11. Erin Henderson, Minnesota Vikings (27) — Re-signed with Minnesota Vikings

12. Justin Durant, Detroit Lions (27)

13. Victor Butler (DE/OLB), Dallas Cowboys (26)

14. Nick Roach, Chicago Bears (28)

15. LeRoy Hill, Seattle Seahawks (30)

16. DeAndre Levy, Detroit Lions (26) — Re-signed with Detroit Lions

17. Keith Rivers, New York Giants (27)

18. Rob Jackson (DE/OLB), Washington Redskins (27)

19. Kaluka Maiava, Cleveland Browns (26) — Signed with Oakland Raiders

20. Calvin Pace (DE/OLB), New York Jets (32)

21. Bryan Thomas (DE/OLB), New York Jets (34)

22. Jonathan Casillas, New Orleans Saints (26) — Signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Henry Melton, Chicago Bears (26)

Melton is a top-tier interior pass rusher in the NFL. The Bears are going to work hard to make sure he is back with the team in 2012. He is one of their best players.

Prediction: Franchised by Bears

Actual: Franchised by Bears

2. Randy Starks, Miami Dolphins (29)

The Dolphins have money to play with, and they can’t really afford to let one of the best defensive tackles on the market escape their grasp. There are already rumors that they will cut or trade Jared Odrick. The Dolphins began contract negotiations with Starks back in January.

Prediction: Re-signs with Dolphins

Actual: Franchised by Dolphins

3. Richard Seymour, Oakland Raiders (33)

Seymour is widely believed to be moving on from the Raiders, where he continued his very productive career. He can still help a team despite his age and injury problems.

Prediction: Signs with 49ers

Actual:

4. Sammie Lee Hill, Detroit Lions (26)

Hill has been overshadowed in Detroit by guys like Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams, and Nick Fairley, but he’s a definite starting caliber player in the NFL. He will likely move on from the Lions this offseason for a starting gig elsewhere.

Prediction: Signs with Broncos

Actual: Signed with Tennessee Titans

5. Glenn Dorsey, Kansas City Chiefs (28)

Dorsey has the potential to revive his career after an injury ended his 2012 season. He has been mis-cast in the Chiefs’ 4-3 defense and could be really productive in the right scheme.

Prediction: Signs with Falcons

Actual: Signed with San Francisco 49ers

6. Desmond Bryant, Oakland Raiders (27) — Signs with Cleveland Browns

7. Roy Miller, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)

8. Jason Jones, Seattle Seahawks (27) — Signed with Detroit Lions

9. Arthur Jones (RFA), Baltimore Ravens (27)

10. Sedrick Ellis, New Orleans Saints (28)

11. Mike DeVito, New York Jets (29) — Signs with Kansas City Chiefs

12. Chris Canty, New York Giants (30) — Signs with Baltimore Ravens

13. Terrance Knighton, Jacksonville Jaguars (27) — Signed with Denver Broncos

14. Steve McLendon (RFA), Pittsburgh Steelers (27)

15. Alan Branch, Seattle Seahawks (28)

16. Ricky Jean-Francois, San Francisco 49ers (26)

17. Sen’Derrick Marks, Tennessee Titans (26)

18. Kevin Vickerson, Denver Broncos (30) — Re-signs with Denver Broncos

19. Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh Steelers (35)

20. Dwan Edwards, Carolina Panthers (32)

21. Derek Landri, Philadelphia Eagles (29)

22. Shaun Cody, Houston Texans (30)

23. Amobi Okoye, Chicago Bears (26)

24. Pat Sims, Cincinnati Bengals (26) — Signed with Oakland Raiders

25. Antonio Johnson, Indianapolis Colts (28) 

Aug 23, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson (93) attempts to block a pass by the Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

1. Michael Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals (26)

Johnson is one of the up-and-coming studs in the NFL. He plays for one of the best defenses in the league, and he is a key piece of their puzzle going forward. He will be tagged and re-signed.

Prediction: Re-signs with Bengals

Actual: Franchise Tagged by Bengals

2. Anthony Spencer, Dallas Cowboys (29)

Spencer could get a little pricy for the Cowboys, who have invested some huge money into their defense in recent years. If that’s the case, he’ll find a huge contract in another NFL city. I think the Cowboys will work hard to re-sign him, however. He had an excellent 2012 campaign.

Prediction: Re-signs with Cowboys

Actual: Franchise tagged by Cowboys

3. Michael Bennett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27)

Bennett was a fantastic revelation for the Bucs this past season. The question I have is, will they be able to keep him with first rounder Adrian Clayborn returning from injury and Da’Quan Bowers in the fold?

Prediction: Signs with Lions

Actual: Signed with Seattle Seahawks

4. Cliff Avril, Detroit Lions (27)

The Lions claim they will be very active on the free agent market. Avril is a guy who will be able to attract top dollar on the open market, and he may want a change of scenery.

Prediction: Re-signs with Lions

Actual: Signed with Seattle Seahawks

5. Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts (33)

Freeney is done with the Colts, something he didn’t want to happen. I find it surprising he was so blindsided by the news that he’d not be coming back to Indy, but at this point in his career, he’ll be chasing rings. Look for Freeney to sign with a championship contender who runs a 4-3 defense. Candidates in my opinion include Denver and Atlanta.

Prediction: Signs with Falcons

Actual:

6. Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants (31)

Umenyiora clearly was distracted by a lack of a new contract this past year. His play diminished, he is now 31 years old, and he likely has lost a lot of money. Still, he will be sought after on the open market.

Prediction: Signs with Seahawks

Actual:

7. William Hayes, St. Louis Rams (28)

Hayes is a really good player, he just has the daunting task of getting playing time with Chris Long and Robert Quinn ahead of him on the depth chart. He should look for a starting gig in a new city. Hayes talked to the Titans and Broncos last season before deciding on the Rams. He’s one of the best run-stopping DEs in the NFL.

Prediction: Signs with Broncos

Actual: Re-signs with St. Louis Rams

8. Israel Idonije, Chicago Bears (32)

9. John Abraham, Atlanta Falcons (34)

10. Wallace Gilberry, Cincinnati Bengals (28) — Re-signs with Cincinnati Bengals

11. Robert Geathers, Cincinnati Bengals (30) — Re-signs with Cincinnati Bengals

12. Junior Gallette (RFA), New Orleans Saints (25) — Re-signed (3-years) with Saints

13. Matt Shaughnessy, Oakland Raiders (26)

14. Juqua Parker-Thomas, Cleveland Browns (35)

15. Kyle Moore, Buffalo Bills (26)

16. Kyle Vanden Bosch, Detroit Lions (34)

17. Frostee Rucker, Cleveland Browns (29)

18. Lawrence Jackson, Detroit Lions (28)

19. Shawne Merriman, Buffalo Bills (29) — Announced Retirement

20. Trevor Scott, New England Patriots (29)

21. Andre Carter, Oakland Raiders (34)

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) under center with Brian de la Puente (60) during the first half of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brian De La Puente (RFA), New Orleans Saints (28)

De La Puente has developed into a very good starting center in the NFL after coming into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He will be the Saints’ starter for a while.

Prediction: Re-signs with Saints

Actual: Tendered (2nd round) by Saints

2. Fernando Velasco, Tennessee Titans (28)

Velasco was a bright spot on an otherwise really bad interior offensive line unit for the Titans. You have to think they’ll be able to bring him back.

Prediction: Re-signs with Titans

Actual:

3. Dan Koppen, Denver Broncos (33)

Koppen was one of the Broncos’ best offensive linemen in 2012 filling in for the injured J.D. Walton. He looks like he has another year or so left in the tank.

Prediction: Re-signs with Broncos

Actual:

4. Todd McClure, Atlanta Falcons (36)

McClure is at a stage in his career where no change is probably the best, especially playing on a contender like Atlanta. He should be back if he doesn’t retire.

Prediction: Re-signs with Falcons

Actual:

5. Evan Dietrich-Smith, Green Bay Packers (27)

Dietrich-Smith was a replacement for Jeff Saturday, who has played his last NFL down. I think the Packers could look to upgrade, but he’s a good fit for them for the future.

Prediction: Re-signs with Packers

Actual:

6. Phil Costa (RFA), Dallas Cowboys (26) — Re-signed with Cowboys

7. Rob Turner, St. Louis Rams (29)

8. Kevin Matthews (RFA), Tennessee Titans (26)

9. Brad Meester, Jacksonville Jaguars (36)

10. Chris Spencer, Chicago Bears (31)