Inside the NFC

LB Hunter Hillenmeyer has been taking advantage of Pro Bowl SLB Lance Briggs' absence from the BEARS' voluntary offseason program and is gaining experience in the nickel defense. Hillenmeyer has focused on improving in space, which had been a weakness.... RT Oliver Ross must play better than he did last season, his first with the CARDINALS.

He didn't fare well against speed rushers. and the team's emphasis on the passing game detracted from what Ross does best: run block.... TE Jermaine Wiggins has lost at least 15 pounds during the VIKINGS' offseason conditioning program. Not only will that ingratiate him to the new coaching staff, it will help him move more quickly to avoid tacklers.... Once an area of concern, linebacker depth has become one of the BUCCANEERS' greatest strengths. In addition to Jamie Winborn and Barrett Ruud, the team is high on Wesly Mallard, who has good instincts and range, and Charles Bennett, who drops into coverage well.... Though his status as a starter isn't completely solid, LIONS LCB Fernando Bryant has responded well to the challenge from the team's younger defensive backs. Coming off shoulder surgery, he needs to reassert himself as a solid player in coverage.... SS Omar Stoutmire has impressed SAINTS coaches enough to earn a starting job for now. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for by being in the right place at the right time.... 49ERS rookie Delanie Walker is showing promise making the conversion from wide receiver to F-back, a backfield player who typically goes in motion to set up a mismatch or produce a lead block. He must become more consistent as an open-field blocker.... Because Chad Lavalais has struggled with conditioning, NT Darrell Shropshire might open camp as the FALCONS' starter. A seventh-round pick in 2005, Shropshire looks raw at times but shows impressive strength and endurance.... DT Kenderick Allen is making a push to get into the PACKERS' interior line rotation. He reported to the first minicamp at 341 pounds but has lost 16 since and has showed great power at the point of attack.... Despite the SEAHAWKS' depth at wide receiver, rookie seventh-round pick Ben Obomanu has a chance to make the roster and get playing time. He turned heads during a recent minicamp by catching the ball well and showing run-after-the-catch ability.... The COWBOYS need Thomas Johnson or rookie Montavious Stanley to emerge as an adequate backup for NT Jason Ferguson, who can't play every snap given the physical nature of the position. Johnson and Stanley have good size, so the player with the better technique is likely to win the job.... PANTHERS FB Nick Goings (6-0, 225) lacks the size to be a dominant blocker and challenge for the starting job, but he'll continue to play a fair amount because of his versatility. He's a solid receiver and provides insurance at running back.... REDSKINS FB Mike Sellers (6-3,260) is an effective lead blocker who has a rare combination of great size, speed and agility. When he has a full head of steam, he can deliver punishing blows.... Richie Incognito served as the RAMS' starting left guard during a recent minicamp. He showed no ill effects from last year's kneecap surgery. Incognito moved well and displayed good footwork.

JOB INSECURITY

A starter for the Eagles the past two seasons, SLB Dhani Jones could be in jeopardy of losing his job. The team liked his speed when it signed him as a free agent in 2004, but he has to start using it to make a play now and then. Jones hasn't shown good coverage skills or the ability to get to the quarterback as a blitzer.

All the tools, less pain

Another year removed from a stinger injury that cut short his promising 2004 rookie season, Giants SS Gibril Wilson is expected to regain his aggressiveness this year. He has the temperament, speed and hands to be a playmaker, but last season he wasn't nearly the big hitter he had been before the injury. Playing next to FS Will Demps, another speedy and aggressive player, will help Wilson.

UNIT ANALYSIS Offensive tackles

A- LT Chad Clifton and RT Mark Tauscher keep Brett Favre from taking many shots.

A- LT Orlando Pace remains one of the game's best. RT Alex Barron is getting there.

A- LT Walter Jones is the best lineman on the planet. RT Sean Locklear played well in '05.

B+ LT Chris Samuels and RT Jon Jansen are well above average. Depth is needed.

B Once a problem spot, left tackle has been stabilized by John Tail RT Fred Miller is solid.

B LT Bryant McKinnie is one of the NFL's top 10 tackles. RT Marcus Johnson is a project.

B Jon Runyan is set on the right side. LT Tra Thomas must stay healthy.

B- LT Luke Petitgout and RT Kareem McKenzie are powerful run blockers.

C+ RT Jordan Gross has the potential to be outstanding. LT Travelle Wharton is ordinary.

C LT Leonard Davis is solid but unspectacular. RT Oliver Ross was disappointing in '05.

C LT Wayne Gandy needs more speed on cut blocks. RT Todd Weiner needs more endurance.

C For Dallas to make a deep playoff run, LT Flozell Adams must return to Pro Bowl form.