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Sporting News, The, March 18, 2005

The PANTHERS' signing of CB Ken Lucas means CB Ricky Manning will lose his starting job. Lucas has plenty of speed and much better size (6-0, 205) than Manning (5-8, 185), who sometimes struggled against bigger receivers. Manning should be effective as a nickel back because he can concentrate on coverage and won't have to play on running downs.

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His run defense is an area of weakness.... Signing QB Kurt Warner is a gamble, but it could work for the CARDINALS, whose offense is similar to the one Warner ran with the Rams. Warner isn't great at avoiding sacks, so the team must fix its problems in the line. The team took a step toward that end by signing former Steelers RT Oliver Ross, 30. Coach Dennis Green hopes Ross' maturity and work ethic will rub off on the other linemen-especially LT Leonard Davis. The team also hopes Ross will boost the line's toughness and tenacity, qualities that have been lacking.... Signing former Bill Pat Williams gives the VIKINGS a legitimate run stuffer in the middle for the first time since Jerry Ball retired after the 1999 season. Williams' arrival will allow Pro Bowl DT Kevin Williams to play strictly the 3 technique position, where he won't have to take on nearly as many double-teams.... Kareem McKenzie, a run blocker with size (6-6, 327), power and smarts, will supplant David Diehl at right tackle for the GIANTS. McKenzie rarely makes mental errors. Diehl wasn't the same player at tackle that he had been at guard in 2003. He moves to left guard, where he could become a fixture.... It appears Terrence Holt finally will compete for the LIONS' starting free safety position, and he has a good shot at replacing Brock Marion. Holt doesn't have great speed, but he has good instincts and should do a good job playing center field. He makes things happen.... The BUCCANEERS' inability to sign LaMont Jordan or Derrick Blaylock means the team almost certainly will use a first- or second-round pick on a running back. Auburn's Ronnie Brown best fits the team's scheme, but the Bucs might take a chance on Florida's Ciatrick Fason. Coach Jon Gruden likes to split his running backs wide and use them as receivers, so good hands are a must. Both Brown and Fason are capable receivers.... When healthy, EAGLES RB Correll Buckhalter is a perfect complement to RB Brian Westbrook. Buckhalter is tough between the tackles and has decent speed. But his re-signing doesn't mean the team won't pursue a back in the draft. Look for the Eagles to select one in the second or third round.... One of the PACKERS' open guard positions probably will be filled by massive run blocker Kevin Barry, a restricted free agent who must be re-signed. Barry is working with a personal trainer to cut his weight down to 325 pounds, something he must do to have the quickness to play inside in the Packers' scheme. He should be a better pass blocker at guard than he was at right tackle.... WR David Patten has good hands and is a definite upgrade for the REDSKINS at the No. 2 receiver spot opposite Santana Moss. Patten's ability to get in and out of cuts quickly enables him to get good separation, though he doesn't have great straight-ahead speed.... The SAINTS' switch to a ball-control, run-oriented offense should help facilitate free-agent acquisition Jermane Mayberry's transition from guard to right tackle. Mayberry's strength is drive blocking, and he isn't particularly agile as a pass protector. The biggest challenge for him will be matching up one-on-one against speed rushers.... The BEARS' main reason for cutting WR David Terrell was to free playing time for WRs Justin Gage and Bernard Berrian. Gage showed the ability to make big plays downfield in 2003 but was the forgotten man in the offense last year. He'll get a long look from new coordinator Ron Turner, who admires his ability to go after the ball. Berrian flashed dangerous downfield speed as a rookie last season.... Signing LT Jonas Jennings should solidify both tackle spots for the 49ERS. His arrival means Kwame Harris will be moved to his more natural position of right tackle. Jennings will be asked to bolster a unit that came within one sack of allowing the most in team history. Jennings is solid in the running and passing games, but he has durability concerns.... D.D. Lewis is capable of replacing oft-injured WLB Anthony Simmons, who was released by the SEAHAWKS. Lewis is instinctive and plays fast and aggressively. But he also has durability issues, missing last season after undergoing his second shoulder surgery in less than a year.... Though he never has had strong enough skills to start at corner, the FALCONS' Allen Rossum proved last year he could fill a nickel role when necessary. Rossum's 5-8 frame causes bad matchups against taller receivers, but coordinator Ed Donatell does a good job of protecting Rossum in zone schemes. Most important, Rossum remains one of the league's top return men.... The COWBOYS needed a right tackle more than they needed a guard, but free-agent pickup Marco Rivera is the type of leader the line needs. Rivera should help the interior running game and the team's ability to protect against the blitz.... RAMS officials spent a lot of time watching offensive tackles at the Scouting Combine. Washington's Khalif Barnes and Oklahoma's Jammal Brown could be on the board when the team makes its first-round pick (19th overall). Barnes is more athletic; Brown has more of a nasty streak.

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Sporting News, The, March 18, 2005

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