Here's a look at the top 5 players at each position as free agency gets underway ...

Top Five Middle Linebackers

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Pos.

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Name

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Info

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1

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Ray Lewis

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The heart and soul of the Ravens could be on the way out of town. Lewis is a fierce player and leader. He is still one of the best hitters in the game and remains a solid playmaker.

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2

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Mike Peterson

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Peterson fell out of favor with coach Jack Del Rio this year and was limited to 10 starts. He isn't the playmaker he was a couple of years ago, but Peterson can be a solid starter.

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3

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Jonathan Vilma

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Put up good numbers in his first season starting for the Saints. Only 26 years old. Should be a good starter in the middle for several more years.

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4

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Andra Davis

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Big, thick linebacker that is built to stuff the run. Might not have the speed and range to play in a 4-3. Solid player in the Browns 3-4. Finished second on the team in tackles and also had six tackles-for-loss.

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5

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Eric Barton

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Veteran linebacker is another one of those guys who just gets the job done. Led the Jets with 119 tackles in 2008.

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