Inside the NFC

Rookie RB Eric Shelton, known as a power runner in college, has shown surprising quickness in offseason workouts and could challenge DeShaun Foster for the PANTHERS' starting job. Shelton has been durable and rarely fumbles, two areas of concern with Foster. ... The COWBOYS signed FS Izell Reese to provide insurance in case Keith Davis or Lynn Scott can't handle the starting job.

Reese is a cerebral player who would make sure players in the secondary are lined up properly. ... Mike Rumph practiced extensively as the 49ERS' first-team free safety in his first action since breaking his forearm last season. Rumph played cornerback the past few seasons, but his range, intelligence and ability to quickly switch into a cover role intrigue coach Mike Nolan. ... SAINTS rookie S Josh Bullocks has quickly worked his way into the dime package and could push veteran SS Jay Bellamy for a starting job. Bullocks has excellent speed and good ball awareness. ... CARDINALS coordinator Keith Rowen hasn't been afraid to line up his receivers in different positions in minicamps. That means WR Anquan Boldin could play in the slot more than he did last season. Boldin excelled in that spot as a rookie. ... With CBs Dre' Bly and Fernando Bryant expected to start, free-agent signee R.W. McQuarters could play nickel back for the LIONS and also get time at free safety, providing insurance in case FS Terrence Holt stumbles at the start. ... GIANTS coaches are mixing and matching defensive tackles in search of the right combination. Kendrick Clancy could secure a starting spot next to Fred Robbins because Clancy, a natural nose tackle, has run-stuffing skills that make him a good complement to Robbins, who is more of an all-around player and can rush the passer. ... The BEARS might reduce the tight end's role to mainly an extra blocker if the coaches think they don't have the talent to be productive at the position in the passing game. If that's the case, oft-injured TE Desmond Clark might not make it out of training camp. Clark didn't help himself when he sprained an ankle in a workout drill before a recent minicamp. ... The RAMS have been pleasantly surprised by the pass-catching skills of TE Roland Williams, a free-agent pickup in his second tour of duty with the team. Tight end never will be a featured position in the team's passing game, but Williams could get a few balls thrown his way, particularly in the red zone. ... PACKERS coaches told Cullen Jenkins to lose weight so he could compete at defensive end this season, but he spent most of a recent minicamp at tackle because of injuries. Jenkins isn't the space-eating type preferred by coordinator Jim Bates, but he's quick off the ball and probably will serve as a backup end and a pass-rushing tackle.... FALCONS rookie WR Roddy White continues to impress the coaches. Much like TE Alge Crumpler, White makes difficult catches and is willing to attack the ball. He needs to improve his technique on crossing routes. ... WR James Thresh would like to be more involved in the REDSKINS' passing game, but he's limited as a receiver because he's more of a straight-ahead runner and not especially smooth coming out of his breaks. But he's an excellent gunner on punt coverage and a versatile, steady return man. ... Jon Ritchie and Josh Parry will battle for the EAGLES' starting fullback job. The key jobs for the team's fullback is to be a lead blocker in the running game and pick up the blitz. Parry, a converted linebacker, improved in both areas last season. ... RB Michael Bennett has impressed the VIKINGS with his speed and quickness in spring workouts. He also has spent time this offseason working on his receiving skills, This is a critical season for Bennett, who is in the final year of his contract.

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