Inside the NFC

Sporting News, The, July 1, 2005

It's not a done deal, but WR Bobby Engram likely will replace released WR Koren Robinson as the SEAHAWKS' split end. The coaches initially felt Engram's skills were better suited for the slot, where he has been highly productive the past few seasons, but Engram continued to make plays when he moved outside in the team's final minicamp.

Plus, free-agent pickup Joe Jurevicius demonstrated the ability to replace Engram in the slot. ... LB Jamie Winborn is a fast hard hitter who could be the wild card on the 49ERS' defense. His hustle and no-fear attitude stood out on film and piqued the interest of new linebackers coach Mike Singletary, who would like Winborn to add bulk. Winborn will be used more on the outside in the team's 3-4 scheme and could end up rotating with converted Es Andre Carter and Andrew Williams. ... Though the LIONS are considering moving WLB Teddy Lehman inside, it won't be easy to move Earl Holmes out of the middle. Holmes isn't strong in one-on-one coverage against running backs, which is one of the reasons his starting job is in jeopardy, but the team won't find anybody better at stuffing first- and second-down running plays. ... SAINTS CB Mike McKenzie isn't particularly strong or fast, but he's instinctive and smart. He knows how to bait receivers and quarterbacks and still has the recovery ability to make plays on the ball. McKenzie, 29, tends to get sloppy with his technique and isn't a great practice player, so there always is a fear his performance will drop off drastically when his physical skills start to erode. ... VIKINGS rookie WR Troy Williamson was inconsistent during spring development camp. Williamson made several extraordinary catches against coverage and showed improved route-running skills during a three-week span. But he also dropped too many passes when he was wide open, which coaches attributed to Williamson running before catching the ball. ... The COWBOYS' Scott Shanle will be given a chance to win a starting inside linebacker job over Bradie James in training camp. Shanle is good against the run because he can attack guards, shed them and still make tackles. He's aggressive but struggles at times in pass coverage because his recognition skills are below average. ... PANTHERS DT Brentson Buckner plans to play at about 300 pounds this season, which is about seven pounds lighter than his weight last season and 15 pounds lighter than his weight in 2003. Buckner thinks being lighter will help his speed and stamina. The coaches aren't opposed to the decision because fellow T Kris Jenkins (6-4, 335) is big enough to jam the middle. ... EAGLES TE James Whalen, a free-agent addition, has drawn attention with his play in the team's minicamps. He has shown excellent hands and smooth route-running ability in noncontact drills. He could be a good backup for L.J. Smith. ... BEARS OT Marc Colombo has made steady improvement since returning to action in 2004 after being sidelined by knee problems for two seasons. This offseason, he has been able to work on his lower body for the first time in years. Colombo seems to have regained enough mobility and athleticism to find a role, and he might end up as a swingman behind starters John Tait and Fred Miller. ... The BUCCANEERS contemplated easing rookie Barrett Ruud into their system by playing him at strongside linebacker. But he has impressed the coaches so much with his ability to diagnose plays quickly and position teammates that they've decided to keep him at middle linebacker, his natural position. ... In the PACKERS' new defense, S Mark Roman won't have to cover receivers one-on-one very much and probably won't have to play close to the line on a consistent basis. But he has to clean up his tackling and show at least as much range as newcomers Arturo Freeman and Earl Little, who will provide stiff competition. Roman (5-11, 200) probably will compete for a job at free safety because he doesn't have the size to take on big blockers in the running game. ... If the RAMS' Travis Fisher can stay healthy, he has all the ingredients to become an elite cornerback. Fisher is the team's most aggressive and best tackling corner, which makes him an asset in run support. One of his best assets in coverage is his closing speed, which gives him the ability to erase mistakes and make plays on the ball. ... The GIANTS don't deploy traditional 3-4 personnel, so the defensive system is a 4-3 base scheme for most practical purposes. But when fast RE Osi Umenyiora and, at times, star LE Michael Strahan, drop off the line to a standing position before the snap, the scheme looks like a 3-4 to opponents. ... Matt Lehr is slightly ahead of Michael Moore in the battle for the FALCONS' starting left guard job. Both players have taken turns working with the first-team offense in minicamps, and Moore has performed well enough to remain a close No. 2 on the depth chart. ... DL Kenny King might be the CARDINALS' most important backup. He's versatile enough to play tackle and end, which should allow coordinator Clancy Pendergast to be creative with his game plans. King has great instincts and quickness off the ball, and he could be a key ingredient in the team's nickel packages. ... REDSKINS RG Randy Thomas is not a great offensive lineman, but he's extremely consistent and smart. He gets a good push off the ball on running plays and holds his ground well in pass protection. Thomas, 29, has a big locker room presence and should be a starter and solid contributor for several more years.