Inside the NFC

Signing CB Kelly Herndon helps fill a hole in the SEAHAWKS' secondary. Some consider Herndon (5-10, 180) a better nickel back than a starter, but he is mentally and physically tough even though he doesn't have the size or speed of departed CB Ken Lucas (6-0, 205). ... BEARS RB Thomas Jones is coming off his best season, but there are differing opinions within the organization about whether he'll fit new coordinator Ran Turner's offense. Jones might not be an ideal fit for a power running game; he is a cutback runner with breakaway speed who uses excellent vision and patience to break plays. Still, his great hands and route-running ability make him a double threat, and he should have a significant role in 2005. ... RAMS free-agent signee Jay Williams can play both defensive end positions and slide to tackle in passing situations, but he'll get most of his reps spelling RE Anthony Hargrove. Williams has enough quickness to be more than an afterthought as a pass rusher and holds his own against the run. ... After missing the last five games of 2004 with a glandular infection, GIANTS RG Chris Snee is healthy and ready to go. Snee (6-3,314) has a wide, solid build and excels as a straight-ahead run blocker. He also has the athleticism and instincts to pull effectively and can pass block. ... Idrees Bashir has the physical tools to be a center fielder-type free safety and will compete with Colin Branch for the PANTHERS' starting job. One knock on Bashir is his durability. The Panthers are much improved at safety with the additions of Bashir and SS Marion McCree. ... CB Lance Frazier could become a valuable nickel corner for the COWBOYS because his quickness should allow him to match up well against traditional slot receivers. A lot of teams like to run out of their three-receiver formations, and though Frazier (5-10,183) isn't very big, he's physical enough to also be a factor against the run. ... VIKINGS DT Spencer Johnson will be valuable as the top backup for DTs Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. Although Johnson weighs only 285 pounds, coaches say he gets off blocks as well as any Vikings defensive lineman. Playing a limited number of downs per game should help him preserve his quickness over the course of the season. ... The EAGLES' Mike Labinjo opened eyes with his play late last season and will enter camp as a backup to MLB Jeremiah Trotter. A physical player and sure tackler, Labinjo has the speed to become good in coverage but must improve in space. ... The FALCONS are very encouraged by DT Chad Lavalais' perfect attendance in the offseason program and his willingness to adhere to proper nutrition guidelines. Poor conditioning after Lavalais' senior year at LSU caused his draft stock to drop last year. This season, Lavalais will replace DT Ed Jasper as a starter. ... PACKERS RE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila needs to better develop countermoves that will prevent tackles from expecting the same pass-rush tactic every time. Gbaja-Biamila wasn't consistently able to produce pressure when his outside move was cut off last season. ... CB Fred Smoot's departure has given Garnell Wilds a chance to become the REDSKINS' nickel back. Wilds' technique is improving, and he has good speed. Though he lacks experience, he plays without hesitation. ... CARDINALS DT Wendell Bryant started working out at the team's facility weeks before offseason workouts officially started. If Bryant's renewed commitment results in improvement, the team's defensive line could be as deep as any in the NFL. ... Keep an eye on BUCCANEERS RB lan Smart (5-8, 192). He lacks ideal size but has incredible speed and shiftiness in the open field. His good hands increase his value because the team likes to line up running backs outside as wideouts. ... After struggling at right guard as a rookie last season for the 49ERS, Justin Smiley is returning to left guard, where he excelled in college. Adding strength and refining technique are musts for Smiley, a confident player with a mean streak.

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