AFC

Sporting News, The, June 16, 2003

STOCK RISING: Second-year DE Brett Keisel needed to get stronger during the offseason after impressing the coaches with his reckless style on special teams. Keisel added 10 pounds and is up to about 280. If he proves he can handle the traffic along the line of scrimmage and shows some pass-rush ability, he could get more playing time.... Backup ILB Larry Foote is an instinctive player who moves well to the ball, often sifting through blockers to make tackles. He has been working to increase his weight and strength. At 6-0, 230 last year, he was too light to make an impact in the 3-4.--Gerry Dulac

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

A CASE OF NEED: Solomon Page wants to play right tackle, but the team may use him at guard. Ts Vaughn Parker and Damion McIntosh are solid, but the guards were inconsistent in 2002. In the running game, Page is more physical at the point of attack than the other tackles, and he's more consistent in pass protection than the guards.... Two rookies, CB Drayton Florence and FS Hanik Milligan, will help the special teams, which lacked outside cover players. They have the size, speed and tenacity.

STOCK RISING: WR Eric Parker started last season on the practice squad but caught 16 passes for 250 yards and a touchdown over the final five games. At 6-0, 172, he lacks the size the Chargers want, but coach Marty Schottenheimer likens the quick Parker to former NFL WR Webster Slaughter. Parker is backing up David Boston, but he may move to the other side, where he could compete with Reche Caldwell and Tim Dwight for a starting job. Parker showed big-play ability in the fourth quarter last year.... K/P Mike Scifres is displaying more consistency on kickoffs and punts. He has a strong right leg but at times has trouble directing kicks.--Jim Trotter

TENNESSEE TITANS

STRONG AT CENTER: C Tom Ackerman figured he would start, but it appears he will be involved in the team's fiercest camp battle. The team is close to a deal with C Gennaro DiNapoli, who started every game last season. But Ackerman looked good in minicamp despite having arthroscopic knee surgery just weeks before and will be difficult to displace. DiNapoli can block linebackers on running plays, but Ackerman is about 15 pounds heavier and would be a bit stronger at the point of attack.

STOCK RISING: SS Tank Williams, who started every game as a rookie in 2002, has the look of a star. He is big, fast and savvy. He has looked smooth in on-field workouts and already shows the comfort level of a veteran.... WR Draw Bennett is trying to get into the mix for the No. 2 spot, opposite Derrick Mason. Bennett knows the offense, can get downfield after the catch and, at 6-5, offers QB Steve McNair a big target. Bennett doesn't have the speed of Justin McCareins, Jake Schifino or rookie Tyrone Calico, but he consistently finds gaps in the defense. He occasionally muffs easy catches because he turns his shoulders downfield before securing the ball.--Jeff Legwold