AFC

Sporting News, The, June 5, 2000

New York

Whew! The Jets are feeling a lot better about the quarterback position after Vinny Testaverde's performance in last week's veterans minicamp. He showed no ill effects from his Achilles' tendon surgery, moving around without a noticeable limp. Some teammates remarked that he seemed to have extra zip on his passes, something he attributed to his long layoff. The true test will come in the preseason, when he has to put pressure on his left heel when escaping a live rush.... The club is talking up rookie WRs Laveranues Coles and Windrell Hayes, but it still will try to sign a veteran wideout after June 1. The dub is still interested in Carl Pickens, who will be released by the Bengals. Unless his contract demands are outrageous, a deal will get done and he will start.

TIGHT ENDS ANALYSIS: The club must replace Keyshawn Johnson's 89 receptions, and a chunk of that must come from the tight end position-a big question mark. The club doesn't have a proven receiver at the position. Its best hope is rookie Anthony Becht, who signed a five-year deal with the Jets last week. Becht has great size (6-5, 270) and decent feet for a big man. He averaged 14.6 yards per catch at West Virginia in '99, showing he could be a factor in the passing game. The staff expects him to help the team's red-zone performance, which ranked among the NFL's worst. He should quickly move ahead of Fred Baxter, a career backup. Baxter is a decent blocker but a liability in the passing game because of shaky hands. But he should get significant time since coordinator Dan Henning likes to use two-tight end sets. --Rich Cimini

Oakland

SAFETY FIRST: The signing of S Marquez Pope was a smart move by the team, even though his stock has dropped since 1996, when he intercepted six passes as a cornerback for the 49ers. Pope can play just about every spot in the secondary-he played strong safety for Cleveland in '99-and the Raiders likely will try him at strong safety, where he would be the favorite to start. That would enable Anthony Dorsett to move to free safety, where he would compete against Charles Mincy.... When it comes to linebackers, the Raiders will take all the help they can get. That's why they acquired Doug Colman, who made 21 tackles as a reserve with the Titans in '99. Colman will help out on special teams, too.

TIGHT ENDS ANALYSIS: The Raiders are in good shape here. Rickey Dudley has emerged as a top tight end after rebounding from a horrible rookie season in 1996. Dudley caught 39 passes for 555 yards and nine TDs last season and finally learned to block, having made that his No. 1 resolution in the offseason. That said, there's no guarantee Dudley will stick around when he becomes a free agent after this season. The Raiders added veteran insurance last week when they came to terms with former Dolphin Troy Drayton. Drayton (6-3, 270) is a capable blocker and receiver, but he was hampered by a fight knee injury in '99 that required surgery. Jeremy Brigham was one of the team's most improved players in '99. Though not nearly as athletic as Dudley, Brigham is a solid blocker with good hands and better than average speed. John Burke, a free-agent pickup, also has caught the eyes of coaches. --Sam Farmer