Free Agent Signings That Have Affected Round 1

Below are my top 10 free agent signings (and 1 trade) that will affect any previous first round mocks. Many of these signings clear the way for these teams to set their eyes on another area of need. With only a few real big name players left on the open market the draft and draft needs is finally starting to come into focus.

1. Mario Williams to the Bills
The Bills have been tagged as a team going for a pass rushing defensive end and or linebacker in round 1. The addition of Williams gives the bills one of the best young defensive lines in the league. Although linebacker could still be in play you can cross any chance of a defensive end of the list in round 1.

2. Matt Flynn to the Seahawks
This officially ends any talk of Ryan Tannehill going to the Seahawks at pick 12. Bringing in Flynn to “compete” with TJack allows Seattle to focus on the defensive side of the ball.

3. Brandon Marshall to the Bears (trade)
Seriously what mock didn’t have the Bears taking Michael Floyd if available in round 1? Although Marshall is a gamble to rely on for an entire year of ball he gives Chicago the true number 1 receiver they have desperately needed. Receiver will still be on the radar in the early rounds but not in round 1.

4. Brandon Carr to the Cowboys
Yes, even though the Cowboys got a lock down corner in Brandon Carr they still have a very thin secondary. This could give them the go ahead to turn their eyes to the best available safety… Mark Barron.

5. Cortland Finnegan to the Rams
Just like the Cowboys the Rams have a pretty dismal secondary. Finnegan although getting up there in age will be a number 1 corner for at least a few more years giving the Rams leeway to get a corner in possibly round 2 or 3.

6. Dan Connor to the Cowboys
Connor is one of the more underrated signings of the year. Connor will man the middle and they already have youngster Bruce Carter for depth. The Boys should be pretty set at the inside for the next handful of years.

7. Robert Meachem/Eddie Royal to the Chargers
The loss of Vincent Jackson made wide receiver a top 3 need for round 1. The combo of Meachem and Royal to go along with a few young receivers already on the roster should make Charger fans sleep a little easier.

8. Martellus Bennett to the Giants
The Fleener/Allen talk at pick 32 should be pretty much silenced. Bennett never got a real shot at being a number 1 tight end during his time in Dallas. Before spending a first round pick on a tight end the GMen will see what they have in Bennett.

9. Mario Manningham/Randy Moss to the 49ers
Sure Manningham probably isn’t the number 1 receiver he thinks he is, and Moss is well .. Moss. But unless a receiver they have fallen absolutely in love with falls to them I can’t see them adding yet another receiver to the mix that early.

10. Steve Hutchinson to the Titans
The Titans greatest need is interior lineman. Although Hutch is in the twilight of his career this should allow the Titans to solely concentrate on the center position in round 1, if any interior lineman.