By JEFF PAUR

The free agency period kicks off tonight (Thursday) at midnight. Teams will be free to start making offers and signing players. This normally makes for some exciting times in the NFL. But to be honest, the free agent crop this season isn't too exciting. There are a few guys that will be difference makers, but for the most part, many big names won't be changing teams - at least through free agency. This doesn't mean some big-name players won't get cut or traded in the weeks or months to come, though.

Below is a breakdown of the top unrestricted free agents at each offensive position. We'll give you our favorites and also a few of the top restricted free agents, which are less likely to change teams. Let the fun begin!

Quarterbacks

This group isn't very exciting at all. A couple of these guys could challenge for starting roles, but none are sure-fire starters. If teams are looking for a new starter, they will likely have to fill their void through a trade or the draft.

1. Quinn Gray. He is our first choice just because he is relatively young. He has some upside, playing well in spot duty for the Jags last season. He still needs to improve his accuracy some, but has the arm to make plays.
2. Byron Leftwich. Last season was a disaster. He has starting experience and a decent track record, though, so we aren't giving up on Leftwich just yet. He could surprise if healthy and with the right team.
3. Todd Collins. Not really a starter at this point of his career. He proved he can do well in spot duty, though. Collins is a cerebral quarterback that knows his limitations.
4. Daunte Culpepper. If his knee is finally healthy, Culpepper could challenge to start again. But that is a big if. Culpepper hasn't looked healthy in several seasons.
5. Josh McCown. McCown has some starting experience and an NFL makeup. He just hasn't put it all together, but he is young enough to turn it around, though.

Top restricted free agents: Derek Anderson, Jared Lorenzen.

Running backs

The running back position has a couple guys that could be difference makers next season. Teams in need of a starter have a few guys to choose from, most notably Michael Turner, who moves from the shadow of LaDainian Tomlinson. Julius Jones is another intriguing option, considering he has starting experience and relatively few carries for his experience. We also have some guys with starting experience that could be top backups and great insurance for NFL teams.

1. Michael Turner. Showed flashes of great things as LT's backup. He has the makeup to be a top NFL starter. Turner runs with power, has speed and sets up his blocks well.
2. Julius Jones. Jones fell out of favor with the Cowboys last season, but rushed for 1,000 yards the previous year and started 51 of 53 career games. He doesn't have a ton of attempts under his belt, though. His career high in careers is 267. Some team will give Jones another shot to start and he could surprise with a change of scenery.
3. DeShaun Foster. Foster never developed with the Panthers, which hurts his chances to find another starting gig. Rumors are he is close to landing with the 49ers. He probably is best suited as a backup, getting spot work.
4. Chris Brown. Brown seems to have a hard time staying healthy, but you can't ignore his production when playing. He is a former 1,000-yard rusher that averages over four yards per carry for his career.
5. Ron Dayne. Dayne has been the Texans top rusher the last two seasons. He was impressive when called upon, averaging four yards per carry the last two years. He can be a good spot starter and solid short-yardage option.

Top restricted free agents: Vernand Morency, Leonard Weaver.

Receivers

Teams in need of receiver have some options to choose from in free agency. There aren't many elite options, but plenty of No. 2 and 3s to provide a spark in the passing game. Randy Moss is the biggest name, but guys like Bernard Berrian, Bryant Johnson and D.J. Hackett will be highly coveted and likely get a shot at a bigger role with their new team.

1. Randy Moss. Pretty easy choice here. His numbers speak for themselves. Many believe he already has a deal in place with the Patriots, though, so chances are Moss isn't going anywhere.
2. D.J. Hackett. Hackett could be a great fit for a West Coast offense looking for help at receiver. Hackett has a ton of potential. He had his moments with the Seahawks, displaying some skills that could make him a No. 1 receiver.
3. Bernard Berrian. We think Berrian is a little overrated. He is a great deep threat, but isn't really a possession receiver or guy that consistently moves the chains.
4. Bryant Johnson. Could get a chance to be a No. 2 receiver after playing behind two great receivers in Arizona the last few years. Johnson has pretty good hands, runs good routes and has a knack for making plays.
5. Jerry Porter. Porter has fallen on hard times the last few years, but he was a top receiver just a few seasons ago. He had 900-plus yards receiving two straight seasons and isn't too old (turns 30 in July). So he can turn it around with the right team, serving as a No. 2 or 3 receiver.

Top restricted free agents: Rashied Davis, Nate Washington, Tab Perry.

Tight Ends

Another thin position in free agency. Alge Crumpler is really the only sure thing and he even has question marks. There are some options behind him with starting experience and some past success, but none are very exciting for teams. So Crumpler will be sought after by several teams in need of a No. 1, pass-catching tight end.

1. Alge Crumpler. He'll be a hot item after getting dumped by the Falcons. Some question his fitness, but his past numbers will land him a starting job somewhere. Crumpler can be an elite pass-catching tight end.
2. Bubba Franks. Not nearly the option he once was, but can still be a good red-zone threat.
3. Jerramy Stevens. Might be the most talented of this group, but his off the field stuff is a big concern. Stevens has the talent to be a top tight end, but can't seem to get it all together.
4. Jeb Putzier. Putzier was a bust for the Texans. He has a couple seasons with 30-plus catches, though, so he'll get his chance to prove his worth with another team.
5. Billy Miller. Miller isn't much of a blocker, but he can help a team's passing attack. He is a good target over the middle. He started six games and had 27 receptions with the Saints last season, his highest totals since '03.

If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com