Before free agency opens up with the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 11, we are breaking down the top available players by position in free agency according to media analysts around the nation.

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Here we take a look at the top linebackers according to NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal, who says, "As you can see, the depth in this free agent crop is at inside linebacker. Jon Beason only fits a 4-3 scheme, but the Giants spoke about his impact last year in reverential tones. ... [Washington's Perry] Riley is the best candidate here to make a leap in his second contract."

Below are NFL.com's top 10 linebackers in free agency (and remember to check out Giants.com’s 2014 free agency page when you're done):

1. Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins (Franchise Tag)

2. Jason Worilds, Pittsburgh Steelers (Transition Tag)

3. Brandon Spikes, New England Patriots

4. Karlos Dansby, Arizona Cardinals

5. Shaun Phillips, Denver Broncos

6. Daryl Smith, Baltimore Ravens

7. Jon Beason, New York Giants

8. Perry Riley, Washington Redskins

9. Erin Henderson, Minnesota Vikings

10. Wesley Woodyard, Denver Broncos

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