The clear-cut winners of the NFL's free-agency period put themselves in strong standing going into April's draft.

Spending lots of money isn't the only element of winning free agency. Filling needs at good values and using the market for what it is—a way to flesh out a foundation while building through the draft—are what craft a winner.

The following franchises navigated the temptations of free-agent waters well, securing their status as the teams that got it right. They should reap the on-field rewards sooner than later.

Detroit Lions

Coming off a dip in performance last season with only six wins, the Detroit Lions needed to implement some big free-agency spending.