NFC

Sporting News, The, March 20, 2000

Arizona

RUNNING FORWARD: The team has made finding a difference-maker at running back a priority to help take pressure off QB Jake Plummer and the passing game. With free-agent RB Adrian Murrell all but gone and the talented Michael Pittman's reliability in question because of multiple injuries last season, speculation has centered around drafting a running back with the team's seventh overall pick. Virginia RB Thomas Jones' personal workout last week only confirmed to some in the organization that he's a notch above the other top-tier backs available. ... Several offensive linemen have begun voluntary workouts with line coach George Warhop, who is stressing technique work. Starting Ts L.J. Shelton and Anthony Clement were among the early attendees, and many of their teammates are expected to join them during the next two weeks.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES ANALYSIS: The team will rely heavily on the draft and look toward other teams' castoffs this summer to restock the position. Mark Smith has been so discontented over his contract and Eric Swann's knees so unstable that the team can't confidently bank on either. Smith is penciled in to start at right tackle and, when motivated and healthy, has shown flashes of brilliance. He's a restricted free agent tendered at a first-round level but wants more money. Swann, at left tackle, commanded double-teams with his brute strength last season, even while playing on a burn knee. Some think his knees will never again be able to withstand the rigors of a full season. The team still is weighing his projected contribution against the salary cap and may cut him after June 1. Rashod Swinger and Jerry Drake started most of last season but aren't locks to be on the roster in September. Swinger tore ligaments and suffered cartilage damage in his left knee and will be fortunate to return on time. Drake is an unsigned free agent. --Lee Rasizer

Atlanta

DEPTH PERCEPTION: The New York-to-Atlanta pipeline is alive and well, with OLB Marcus Buckley the latest to follow coach Dan Reeves to the Falcons from the Giants. Buckley was needed for depth after the Falcons lost Craig Sauer in free agency. Ruffin Hamilton, the team's other top backup at outside linebacker, is an unrestricted free agent who remains unsigned, and starter Henri Crockett is a restricted free agent. Buckley, a third-round pick by the Giants in 1993, started 12 games in '98 but lost his starting job last season and recorded only 10 tackles as a backup. He was cut by the Giants last month in a salary-cap move.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES ANALYSIS: The big contracts given to Shane Dronett and Travis Hall show the team expects the two defensive tackles to be the foundation of the defense for years. Hall and Dronett epitomize defensive line coach Bill Kollar's standard for relentless, high-motor players. Both showed grit by playing through injuries last season. Though Hall missed only one start after having thumb surgery in September, the bulky cast he had to wear most of the season was an obvious handicap. When healthy, he is capable of ranking with the best tackles in the league. Dronett started every game and had 6 1/2 sacks. After recovering from an early-season knee injury, Ed Jasper had 25 tackles in a promising four-game span late in the season. He showed good quickness for his size (6-2, 305), and the depth he provided was crucial. Shawn Swayda and Ben Huff are backups. --Charles Odum

Carolina

LINE VACANCY: It looks like Bryan Stoltenberg and Jamar Nesbit, a second-year undrafted free agent, will battle in training camp for the starting spot at right guard, left open when Anthony Redmon was waived. The team likely will add at least one other player to the competition via the draft or, more likely, free agency. ... The team added depth at wide receiver, its strongest position, by signing Karl Hankton, who spent parts of the past two seasons with the Eagles. The team is set with Muhsin Muhammad and Patrick Jeffers as the starters and Donald Hayes as the likely No. 3 receiver. Jim Turner, who missed last season, will battle Hankton for the fourth spot.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES ANALYSIS: In two seasons, RDT Seen Gilbert hasn't come close to living up to his $46 million contract. But that's not entirely Gilbert's fault. The coaches think Gilbert will blossom if he is surrounded by quality players. That's why Falcons free agent Chuck Smith was brought in to play right end. The theory is that putting a strong pass rusher next to Gilbert will free him up to be more productive. The other tackle spot isn't settled. The team appears to be closing in on a deal with Tim Morabito, the starter last year. Even if Morabito re-signs, there is no guarantee he'll start He is adequate against the run but didn't have a sack in 16 starts last season. This position could be addressed early in the draft. If it's not, Jay Williams, who was signed to back up LE Jason Peter, could be shifted inside. Chuck Wiley, who lost his starting job when Smith signed, could get a look at tackle. --Pat Yasinskas