The new league year may not officially kick off until March 14 with the start of free agency, but it's never too early to take a look at the potential free agents around the NFL. This week, Sports Illustrated released its 2018 Free Agency Guide and Tracker, listing their rankings for "difference makers" and "other significant free agents" for all positions.

Seven Rams were named to the list — wide receiver Sammy Watkins, center John Sullivan, cornerback Trumaine Johnson, safety Lamarcus Joyner, cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, defensive lineman Tyrunn Walker, and outside linebacker Connor Barwin.

On the list below, difference makers are defined as "players who can change the dynamic of an offense or defense in and of themselves."

Potential Difference Makers:

Sammy Watkins (24), Rams

Certainly better than his 593 yards in 2017 suggest, but he's not a true No. 1 receiver. If he avoids the franchise tag, his open market value will be fascinating to see.

**

John Sullivan (32), Rams**

His football IQ is off the charts, which was huge for the Rams and young QB Jared Goff last year.

Trumaine Johnson (28), Rams

He has traveled with No. 1 receivers at times in recent years and won more battles than he's lost. That he can travel in man and zone coverage should raise his value.

Lamarcus Joyner (27), Rams

A rangy center fielder who can cover certain slot receivers in base defense; he's undersized, but he's also one of football's nastiest hitters. 

Significant Free Agents:

Connor Barwin (31), Rams

At this point he's the duct tape or WD-40 of football players. As a complementary short-term problem-solving piece, and he's excellent, both in a 4-3 and a 3-4. But if you need a building block (even a short-term one), look elsewhere.

Tyrunn Walker (28), Rams

He only played 15-20 snaps a game off the bench, but always stood out on film.

Nickell Robey-Coleman (26), Rams

He's at his best in attack-mode, including on slot blitzes. Considering this and his adequacy in man coverage, a pressure-based defense should want him.

To read the entire guide, click on the link below. 

**NFL Free Agency 2018 Guide and Tracker**