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Inside the AFC

Sporting News, The, May 20, 2005

The BENGALS could start two rookie linebackers. The release of Kevin Hardy clears a path for David Pollack at left outside linebacker. MLB Odell Thurman will push Landon Johnson, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. Thurman makes plays, but Johnson's speed, expedence and knowledge of the defense are big pluses.

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... NT Ellery Moore was invited to the BROWNS' rookie mini-camp without a contract but performed so well that he was signed. Moore is undersized (6-1,300) and wasn't drafted partly because of slow workout times. But he has a quick first step, good instincts and something to prove. When he got out of high school, Moore was certain NFL stardom awaited him, and he admits he wasn't fully committed until late in his career at Kentucky. He matured and worked harder as a senior. ... The RAVENS' signing of OLB Tommy Polley was a gamble. No other team wanted him. He has great speed but isn't physical. The Ravens believe he is suited to their style of play because in their 4-3 scheme, the weakside linebacker often is uncovered and free to make tackles. ... It's time for the CHARGERS' Reche Caldwell to show he can be a go-to receiver. Caldwell bulked up before last season, and his hands and head caught up to his feet. But he hurt his knee and played in only six games. He is healthy again and must put up consistent numbers. ... STEELERS OLB James Harrison plays low to the ground and is strong, making him hard for blockers to move. He also has a quick burst and uses his smaller size (5-11,240) and strength to get under offensive tackles when he's rushing the passer. ... CB Lenny Walls, one of the keys to the BRONCOS' defense, needs to stay healthy. He missed almost all of 2004 because of a separated right shoulder. At 6-4 and blessed with long arms and quick feet, Walls has a chance to be a big-time player. Playing opposite Champ Bailey, he's sure to be tested.... The release of DT Keith Traylor means the PATRIOTS are confident NT Vince Wilfork can stand up against the run. Wilfork has rare explosiveness for a player of his size (6-1,330), but he won't be a complete player until he masters taking on blocks and holding the point of attack. ... Rookie WR Roydell Williams is expected to make an immediate contribution in the TITANS' three-receiver sets. At Tulane, Williams was an explosive player who got behind defenders and caught balls on the run. Williams, though, occasionally drops easy passes. ... TEs Ben Utecht and Bryan Fletcher stood out in the recent COLTS minicamp. They are the type of downfield receiving threats who flourish in the Indianapolis offense. Each player displayed sure hands and nice speed.... JETS QB Chad Ponnington, three months removed from rotator cuff surgery, guarantees he will be in the lineup for the season opener. Pennington still isn't throwing-he hopes to start next month--but he says he expects to have a "normal" training camp. Normal is open to interpretation. The Jets should not give him the same training camp regimen as in previous years. It makes sense to cut down his reps and save him for the season. ... C Casey Wiegmann might not be a good fit for most teams because of his size (6-2,285), but he is perfect for the CHIEFS' system. Wiegmann excels at getting out and leading on sweeps and screens. But he can be overmatched by bigger, more physical defensive tackles. The Chiefs must be careful to provide him help when he is lined up against massive defensive tackles. ... The BILLS hope Mike Gandy solidifies the left tackle spot. He has decent size (6-4, 310), and the team thinks he is big and strong enough to handle physical defensive linemen at the point of attack. He's smart and has the athletic ability to play in space. If Gandy plays well, the team probably will leave TreyTeague at center to maintain continuity on the rest of the line. ... DOLPHINS MLB Zach Thomas is willing to try something new if it can help him extend his career. He has dropped a lot of the weightlifting work he did in the past, instead focusing more on running, light lifting and isometric work. Thomas is under pressure to prove his value to new coach Nick Saban, so he must stay healthy. ... The JAGUARS declined TE Kyle Brady's offer to bulk up and play tackle. Despite concerns about his pass-catching skills, Brady still is the best receiver the Jaguars have at the position, so he will start this season. ... RAIDERS LG Langston Walker has filled in wherever he was needed, mostly at tackle, the past three seasons. His size, quickness and intelligence make him a reliable and consistent player at any line position. Walker should be a fixture on Oakland's line for years to come. ... The TEXANS should be concerned about their depth at linebacker. After releasing Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman, they don't have an inside linebacker with full-time starting experience in a 3-4 scheme. OLBs Jason Babin and Antwan Peek are talented but unproven.

Inside the AFC

Sporting News, The, May 20, 2005

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