Fansided

10 best 2016 NFL free agents

By Rucker Haringey

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets thrown to ground by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets thrown to ground by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) celebrates after a sack of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) (left) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) celebrates after a sack of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) (left) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Malik Jackson-Denver Broncos

Some might consider the Broncos‘ lineman to be a one-year wonder, but I’m a big believer in his talent. He’s a rare player who can play both defensive end and defensive tackle in passing situations and that’s going to give him some additional value in the free agent market.

Most NFL defensive coordinators build a lot of their game plans on the ability to create pressure on the quarterback and that’s Jackson’s specialty. He’s been borderline unblockable this year and he flashes on tape like few other linemen in the league. The question for Jackson isn’t whether or not he can do the incredible, instead it’s all about making sure he can make the ordinary play consistently.

He might not be the best run-stuffer out there, but that deficiency is nullified by his ability to slide out to defensive end during more conventional downs. Then, on passing situations, he can slide inside where he can really terrorize opposing offensive lines by creating pressure right in the quarterback’s face. He’s a special player and the Broncos have figured out the best way to use him.

Next: Alshon Jeffery

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