"Most anticipate that, if the NFL and NFLPA agree to a new CBA with the courts playing no role in the outcome, the free-agency system will function similarly to how it did from 2006-2009, which means players with four or more accrued seasons would qualify.

So as we hopefully get closer to a labor settlement between these sides, there's no better time to evaluate this potential class of fourth-year free agents. They are obviously the youngest of the bunch, and their inclusion would add considerable depth to the overall free-agent class.

The wide receiver position is particularly intriguing, and given the host of big-name older receivers also set to hit the market (Randy Moss, Terrell Owens), there will be plenty of action for pass-catchers once the lockout ends. Free agency would also hit some teams harder than others, with the Ravens (G Marshal Yanda, T Jared Gaither, FB Le'Ron McClain), the Giants (WR Steve Smith, RB Ahmad Bradshaw and TE Kevin Boss) and Chargers (S Eric Weddle, WR Legedu Naanee) among the teams that would be most impacted if their fourth-year players were allowed to hit the open market."