Inside the AFC

Sporting News, The, June 24, 2005

CHIEFS WR Craphenso Thorpe had problems running routes and catching the ball during rookie camp and recent practices. He broke his leg last season at Florida State and still doesn't appear to be 100 percent. ... RT Todd Williams has been working with the TITANS' first team. He has good size (6-5,330) and improved strength, but his technique is raw. Williams still has to beat out Jacob Bell and rookie Michael Roos. ... BILLS DT Ron Edwards got most of the first-team snaps at Pat Williams' old spot. Edwards has been an effective pass rusher the past two seasons, displaying the quickness to shoot through gaps. He also can be an effective run stuffer if he plays hard every snap. ... Because SS Mike Doss is likely to be suspended for at least one game because of two misdemeanor gun charges, the COLTS moved CB Joseph Jefferson to safety. The move could be permanent. The team lacks depth there, and Jefferson has good size and ball skills. ... OLB Marcus Wilkins, a special teams standout with the BENGALS, will get the chance to play more on defense. Wilkins' speed allows him to be effective in space. He must prove that he can shed blockers. ... ILB Shaun Phillips has been getting plenty of reps during the CHARGERS' offseason workouts. He has speed and shows good awareness. Phillips could start next season because Randall Godfrey is entering his final year. ... RB Jerome Bettis has been taking part in the STEELERS' offseason sessions. Bettis, however, will only get limited work in training camp and during the preseason so he is fresh for the regular season. ... At 6-3, David Terroll stands out among PATRIOTS receivers, who mostly are smaller, quicker players. Terrell could be an outside receiver who makes plays along the sidelines. ... Nate Jackson has switched from wide receiver to tight end with the BRONCOS. Jackson, who has added 20 pounds, is sure-handed and can make catches over the middle. He needs to show he can block. ... FB Jerold Sowell was an ideal fit in the JETS' old West Coast offense, but his role could change in coordinator Mike Heimerdinger's scheme. The fullback will get fewer opportunities as a receiver, which is Sowell's strength. The coaches also would like to get more speed at that position, which could bode well for B.J. Askew. ... Even though they've added WR Randy Moss, the RAIDERS figure to pass less this season. Coach Norv Turner wants an offense that gets about 25 carries a game from its lead back, LaMont Jordan, and then takes occasional shots down the field. ... Rookie WR Matt Jones has recovered from his hamstring injury, and the JAGUARS are excited by the speed and good hands he is showing in workouts. ... The retirement of DT Tim Bowens means DOLPHINS DEs Kevin Carter and Vonnie Holliday will need to move inside at times to spell Keith Traylor and Larry Chester. Playing nose tackle is a bit of a stretch for Carter and Holliday, who says "mammoths" usually play there in the 3-4. ... The TEXANS should be improved at defensive tackle. First-round pick Travis Johnson should provide a push as a situational pass rusher. And Gary Walker is healthy after playing hurt for much of the past two seasons. He's motivated to return to his 2002 Pro Bowl form.

UNIT ANALYSIS: Offensive tackles

A- LT Levi Jones and RT Willie Anderson are agile, stellar pass and run blockers.

A- Tarik Glenn protects the blind side; RT Ryan Diem is an emerging star.

A- RT Robert Gallery thrived as a rookie after he couldn't beat out LT Barry Sims.

A- Both starters return from a productive unit; the future was addressed in the draft.

B LT Willie Roaf remains a good performer; RT Jordan Black shows promise.

B LT Jonathan Ogden might be the NFL's best. RT Orlando Brown is a poor pass blocker.

B LT Matt Lepsis is agile and smart. RT George Foster is strong but prone to mistakes.

B LT Marvel Smith is a Pro Bowler. Promising RT Max Starks is a first-year starter.

B- LT Matt Light is effective but not dominant; right tackle is a weak spot.

B- LT Brad Hopkins still plays at a high level; the right side is unsettled.

C A fresh start should energize LT LJ. Shelton. RT Ryan Tucker is an asset.

C RT Maurice Williams is sturdy, but left tackle is a question mark.

C LT Jason Fabini is workmanlike; RT Adrian Jones is unproven.

C RT Mike Williams and LT Mike Gandy can be solid but largely are inconsistent.

C- Chester Pitts is moving to left tackle. RT Todd Wade is better as a run blocker.

C- RT John St. Clair isn't bad. Vernon Carey is trying to supplant LT Damion McIntosh.

Past his prime time

The signing of nickel back Oeion Sanders is a risk for the Ravens, Sanders could make as much as $4 million through incentives, turns 38 in August and still is bothered by a toe injury. Coach Brian Billick thinks Sanders still contribute. But some of the perks he received because of his high profile became a distraction last season, when Sanders played in nine games.

Transition at tackle

The Browns made a switch at left tackle, signing U. Shelton and releasing Ross Verba. Shelton is bigger and more athletic and should provide a better presence in the locker room than Verba, who was unhappy with his contract. Browns coaches need to get Shelton to play with more intensity. His lack of a mean streak contributed to his fallout with Arizona coach Dennis Green.