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Inside the AFC

Sporting News, The, April 21, 2006

The PATRIOTS improved their flexibility by signing veteran S Tebucky Jones. Jones played for the Patriots from 1998-2002 and probably still understands the system well enough to start if SS Rodney Harrison (knee) isn't ready to begin the season. If Harrison is healthy, Jones' presence could allow the team to move FS Eugene Wilson to cornerback if it needs help there.... Reserve S Marcus Randall, a converted college quarterback, impressed the TITANS with his athletic ability as a rookie last season. Randall has good size (6-2, 220) and speed, and he has picked up the defense quickly. Randall needs to become more comfortable playing the ball in the air, but the team believes that will come in time.... DT Corey Simon was a difference-maker for the COLTS last season, but they expect him to make an even bigger contribution in 2006. He will be more comfortable with the team's one-gap system and also is expected to be in better shape after playing last season at well over 300 pounds.... CHARGERS KR/PR Darren Sproles as been working hard this offseason to improve his ability to catch the ball. A fourth-round pick in '05, Sproles showed good speed and moves as a kick returner last season, but he muffed several punts and was removed from the punt return unit for a while.... The BILLS are counting on veteran RG Chris Villarrial to anchor their young line. Villarrial has good size (6-3, 318) and toughness and rarely misses an assignment. He has lost some quickness and mobility, but he is technically sound, physical and tenacious. ... BRONCOS CB Karl Paymah has a good chance to become the dime back in '06. He didn't play a lot as a rookie last season because he tended to grab receivers in coverage and appeared to be afraid of making mistakes. However, his technique and confidence improved as the season progressed, and he has impressed the staff with his work ethic.... The RAIDERS hope Antraj Hawthorne can become a solid member of the defensive tackle rotation. Hawthorne (6-2, 310) is a strong, physical player and has a good work ethic. He will benefit from having been around veteran DTs Warren Sapp and Ted Washington last year.... The STEELERS signed DE Rodney Bailey (Seahawks), who played with the team from 2001-03, because they wanted a dependable backup for Brett Keisel on the right side. Bailey is a good pass rusher who will play mostly on third down. He lacks power against the run.... Re-signing Damlon McIntosh, the DOLPHINS' starter at left tackle in '05, was a shrewd move because it gives them more options in the line. L.J. Shelton has replaced McIntosh as the starting left tackle, but McIntosh could be used as the backup swing tackle or as the starter on the right side. That would allow the team to move RG Rex Badnot to center and play RT Vernon Carey at right guard.... The JAGUARS like OLB Daryl Smith's potential. Smith is a sure tackler with excellent range and is highly effective against the run. He is expected to be the eventual replacement for Mike Peterson in the middle.... After an impressive first season as a starter, RAVENS OLB Bart Scott is expected to be a difference-maker on the field and in the locker room. Scott doesn't have the speed to play sideline to sideline but is a solid tackler who can be dominant at times. He must improve his consistency at getting to the ball.... This is a make-or-break season for BENGALS backup RT Stacy Andrews, who has great size (6-7, 350) but still needs to improve his technique. Andrews has the potential to be a dominant run blocker but must prove he can be trusted in pass protection.... The switch to a 3-4 scheme will reduce JETS MLB Jonathan Vilma's ability to make plays. Vilma (6-1, 230) is at his best when he can play in space and use his speed. The 3-4 will force him to take on guards, and that isn't his strength. ... The BROWNS expect TE Kellen Winslow (knee) to be ready by training camp. The team is counting on him to be a starter, but there is no guarantee Winslow, who has played only two games in two seasons, still will have the speed and quickness that made him the sixth overall pick in 2004. He also must prove he can play with the unbridled intensity he displayed in college.

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The Texans' search is over

Trading for former Bills WR Eric Moulds finally gives the Texans a legitimate No. 2 option to complement top wideout Andre Johnson. Moulds, 32, might have lost a step, but he still has something left in the tank. The Texans will play him in the slot and on the outside, and his ability to make plays likely will draw defenders away from Johnson. Moulds is strong and physical and still can make the tough catch in traffic.

The Chiefs gotta close the deal

New coach Herin Edwards wants to improve the Chiefs' ability to protect leads late in games-something they had trouble doing under former coach Dick Vermeil. RB Larry Johnson (6-1, 230) and the versatile line give Edwards the right tools to retain beads. The Chiefs' linemen are athletic but don't get enough credit for their ability to be physical, and Johnson is the ideal back--a big, tough runner who doesn't wear down--to use when trying to protect a lead.

Inside the AFC

Sporting News, The, April 21, 2006

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