Inside the NFC

The COWBOYS signed Aaron Glenn, an excellent playmaker, to be their third cornerback. When teams use three-receiver formations, Glenn will cover one of the outside receivers and CB Terence Newman will move inside, making the defense more physical against the run. ... One reason the REDSKINS deemed it unnecessary to draft a wide receiver is the development of Taylor Jacobs, who has excellent deep speed and the physical ability to be a starter. He has been impressive in offseason workouts. ... The LIONS released veteran FS Brock Marion because they want to give the bulk of the preseason snaps to Terrence Holt, who finally will get his chance to start. The Lions will play more defensive schemes that allow Holt to play to his strengths as a center fielder. ... 49ERS OLB Brandon Moore has some experience playing defensive end, so he could fit in nicely on the edge when the defense switches to a 3-4. He's not as athletic as OLB Julian Peterson but has solid instincts. ... Re-signing FS Dexter Jackson makes the loss of Dwight Smith a little more palatable for the BUCCANEERS. Jackson isn't a good one-on-one cover man, but he works well in zone schemes and has experience in the team's system. ... FALCONS TE Alge Crumpler wants to add another five pounds of upper-body muscle and reduce his body fat by a couple of percentage points. A knee injury limited his effectiveness in the playoffs, and he believes better conditioning will help his longevity. ... Todd Pinkston is a good complement to Terrell Owens as the EAGLES' No. 2 receiver. Pinkston's strength is his straight-line speed. His slight frame (6-2, 170) is a problem against physical corners, but last year he improved at getting off jams. ... TE Freddie Jones (Cardinals) should help the PANTHERS' passing game. Jones isn't a good blocker, so TEs Kris Mangum and Mike Seidman will play on early downs. But Jones is the best receiver of the three and could get a lot of playing time. ... Newly signed CB Andre Dyson (Titans) will join CB Kelly Herndon in helping the SEAHAWKS fill the void created by CB Ken Lucas' departure. Dyson has more speed than Lucas and will be able to run with the league's faster receivers. ... With rookie WR Troy Williamson getting most of the attention, look for VIKINGS free-agent signee Travis Taylor (Ravens) to be an unexpected playmaker in the revamped receiving unit. The team likes what he can do out of the slot. ... The SAINTS' selection of OT Jammal Brown will allow Jermane Mayberry to stay at his familiar right guard position. RG Montrae Holland will shift to left guard, where he'll likely supplant Kendyl Jacox, whose performance last season didn't please the staff. ... The PACKERS' addition of LB Raynoch Thompson (Cardinals) means Na'il Diggs will move back to the strong side. Thompson is a good bet to win the starting weakside job because he has the pure speed coordinator Jim Bates requires and is a proven playmaker. ... A handful of CARDINALS linebackers can play both inside and outside, which gives coordinator Clancy Pendergast some versatility in developing his game plans. A key to the unit's success will be James Darling, who played in the middle in the team's nickel packages last year and was one of the team's most valuable players. ... RAMS coach Mike Martz is giving CB DeJuan Groce another chance to return punts. Groce, a feared punt returner in college, has the elusiveness and instincts to be effective, but a lack of ball security cost him the job in his last stint. ... TE Jeremy Shockey finally showed up for the GIANTS' offseason program last week, but he has no plans to make it a habit and might not be back until a June minicamp. Shockey looked to be in excellent shape and says he has no lingering pain from last season's back spasms.

UNIT ANALYSIS: Defensive tackles

A Shaun Rogers is the dominant anchor on a young and rapidly improving line.

A- If not for pass-rushing standout Rod Coleman, the grade would be C+.

A- The return of Kris Jenkins should help tremendously; he is capable of dominating.

A- Kevin Williams will benefit playing next to Pat Williams; the depth also is good.

B+ Jason Ferguson and La'Roi Glover are a top pair, but there is little depth.

B Darnell Dockett is a rising star, and Russell Davis is coming off his best season.

B The team loves its options; Tommie Harris projects as a future Pro Bowl pick.

B There's excellent depth with backups Sam Rayburn, Hollis Thomas and Mike Patterson.

B This is a talented group, but Anthony McFarland and Ellis Wyms must stay healthy.

B Cornelius Griffin is a force; Brandon Noble has good run-stopping ability.

B- Grady Jackson has been outstanding when healthy, but everyone else is unproven.

C+ Ryan Pickett must improve as a pass rusher; Jimmy Kennedy finished strong in '04.

C Brian Young hustles nonstop but needs a superior run-stuffing complement.

C How well Marcus Tubbs responds after a disappointing rookie season will be key.

D+ Fred Robbins is no star, but he's the only given in a rotation full of uncertainties.