AFC

Sporting News, The, July 29, 2002

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LOOKING OUT FOR A NO. 1: The team lacks a proven No. 1 receiver, which is why former Packer Antonio Freeman has an eye on the Ravens. Travis Taylor is No. 1 on the depth chart, but he is inconsistent and has limited experience. Freeman could be counted on for 60-plus receptions, and his experience and savvy would bolster the confidence of QB Chris Redman. Plus, Freeman is a native of Baltimore. The team likes Freeman but lacks salary-cap space.... There is speculation Ran Johnson, the first of 10 draft picks to sign, could challenge Bran(Ion Stokley for the No. 2 receiver job. Even if that doesn't happen, Johnson should be a weapon in the red zone. He lacks great speed but has nice size (6-2, 225) and showed good hands at a recent minicamp.

QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: Redman, who has less than a quarter of NFL playing experience, has accepted his role as the new leader of the offense. He seems to know the system, throws a solid ball and can complete just about any pass. But Redman holds the ball too long and must become more comfortable with his receivers. It will be interesting to watch how he meshes with coach Brian Billick, who has worked more with veteran quarterbacks than young ones. Jeff Blake is the backup, and he has a stronger arm than Redman. The team could play more of a vertical game with Blake, and he says he wants the starting job and is not in the tutoring business, Blake will push Redman, and that's good. But Blake has only a one-year deal, and Redman could be the quarterback of the future, so it's Redman's job for now.--Mike Preston

Buffalo Bills

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MORE TR0UBLE: KR Charlie Rogers, who recently was charged with, among other things, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct after an incident at a nightclub, is the latest in a series of Bills with off-field troubles. But despite his legal issues, Rogers still is expected to contribute this season. He is an exceptional runner with good vision and instincts that allow him to anticipate blocks and find running lanes.... RG Jerry Ostroski (knee surgery) will be watched closely in training camp. He missed most of 2001 because of a broken leg. The metal plate put in his leg to promote healing aggravated his knee, which required surgery in June. The Bills believe Ostroski should be able to participate fully in camp, but they will make sure not to overwork him.

QUARTERBACKS ANLYSIS: If Drew Bledsoe can recapture his Pro Bowl form after three down seasons, the trade of a 2003 first-round pick for him will prove to be a steal. Bledsoe, who looked sharp in the minicamps, is a classic dropback passer who moves his feet well in the pocket, but he needs help from a strong running game and solid pass protection. If he gets time to throw, he can pick a defense apart. If not, he could be sacked or pressured into forcing passes into tight coverage. Though not blessed with a big arm, No. 2 Alex Van Pelt is accurate, instinctive and can read defenses. Third-year pro Travis Brown has a good arm and moves well in the pocket, but he needs to make better decisions. The team signed rookie David Priestley as competition, but the No. 3 job seems to be Brown's to lose.--Allen Wilson

Cincinnati Bengals

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ON THE BALL: If rookie FS Lamont Thompson resembles the ballhawking force he was in college, the secondary will be more of a big-play unit. Thompson, a second-round pick, has good size (6-1, 220), speed and ball skills. And his acceleration, leaping ability and hands make him a special player.... G Thatcher Szalay could make the squad as an undrafted rookie free agent. Big, powerful and strong, he will challenge Victor Leyva and Scott Rehberg for one of the backup spots behind Matt 0'Dwyer and Mike Goff.... The defensive line is beefed up by the presence of wide-body DT Pernell Davis. But to become an every-down player, Davis (6-2, 320) must show speed to the ball and more pass-rushing ability.

QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: For the Bengals to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1990, they need consistent, quality play from veterans Jon Kitna and Gus Frerotte. Kitna has the early lead in the battle for No. 1 because he knows coordinator Bob Bratkowski's system, but Frerotte will win if he continues to demonstrate superior arm strength and accuracy. Kitna is a fierce competitor but an inconsistent passer. He lacks ideal arm strength and makes too many mistakes. Frerotte lacks mobility, but he thinks quickly in the pocket and makes good decisions. His arm strength and mechanics are impressive, but he needs solid protection to be effective. Akili Smith should be able to hold off Scott Covington for the No. 3 job. But Smith must show he's fully recovered from a torn left hamstring before he can push for the starting job.--Chick Ludwig

Cleveland Browns

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ROYE'S RUN: Coach Butch Davis thinks highly of DT Mark Smith, but if Orpheus Roye plays up to his potential, he easily should win the starting job next to DT Gerard Warren. Roye (6-4, 313) is quick, uses his hands well and has good size and strength. He also has lost weight this offseason, getting leaner and stronger.... MLB Earl Holmes (knee surgery) appears ready for camp. The team still will be careful with him and others coming off injuries: RG Tre Johnson (torn quadriceps), DE Courtney Brown (sprained ankle) and TE Rickey Dudley (torn foot ligament). Dudley's injury might warrant the closest scrutiny because it could threaten his career.... DT Marcus Spriggs will get a long look in camp. He has played just 18 games in three seasons because of various injuries, but the team wants to give him a chance to prove himself.