NFL focus: stock rising

Look for the Jaguars' Daryl Smith, who started 13 games at outside linebacker as a rookie, to supplant MLB Mike Peterson before long. Smith, who played in the middle at Georgia Tech, is a tackling machine who has excellent quickness sideline to sideline. He's a playmaker who will be difficult to get off the field.... The Buccaneers fell in love with WR Edell Shepherd's speed and route-running skills during training camp last year before he went down for the season with a foot injury. Shepherd appears to be back at full strength and could get plenty of playing time behind projected starters Michael Clayton and Joey Galloway, giving the team an added deep threat. What sets him apart is his ability to adjust to the ball in the air.... Seahawks OT Wayne Hunter struggled to make the transition from a run-and-shoot offense in his first two pro seasons, but that is changing this offseason. Not only is Hunter adding some needed strength and flexibility in the conditioning program, but line coach Bill Laveroni has noticed Hunter is "getting it" in on-field work. Hunter might not figure into the starting situation this season, but he could factor into the right tackle spot in the future.... The Raiders' Jake Grove is building upon his impressive rookie season by doing everything asked of him during offseason workouts. He is honing his skills at guard, where he played last season, and at center, which should be his long-term position. He is becoming more comfortable calling signals and will challenge starting C Adam Treu, especially if the team adds another guard. Grove is adding strength this offseason.... Saints second-year DE Will Smith is opening eyes with his progress in the offseason program, and his progress has coaches convinced he'll have a breakout season in 2005. He's one of the strongest players at his position already and has the potential to grow. Smith's biggest drawback is his overaggressiveness, but a year of maturity should help rein in that problem.... The Ravens are happy with the progress of WRs Devard Darling and Clarence Moore, both of whom have good upside. Darling (6-1, 218) has superior hands, and Moore (6-6, 211) has better size.

Both need to improve their upper-body strength and route running, particularly when it comes to in and accelerating out of breaks.... The Jets plan to replace RT Kareem McKenzie, who signed with the Giants, with second-year man Adrian Jones. That's a gamble because Jones played only one year at tackle in college--he was a tight end his first three years--and didn't appear in a game last season as a rookie. Jones is having an excellent offseason. If he can pick up things quickly and show enough toughness, he has the athleticism to do the job.... Tatum Bell has been tagged as the next great Broncos running back. He has the speed, patience and quick burst necessary to make the cutback runs that are integral to the offense. Bell needs to add about 10 pounds of muscle so he can carry a big load in 2005. He also has spent extra time this offseason working on his route running and receiving skills.

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