AFC reports

DENVER BRONCOS WR Ashley Lelie is the offense's biggest concern. His pass-catching skills are obvious, but Lelie still has trouble getting off the line. Lelie is in danger of losing his starting spot to rookie Darius Watts, who has showed great speed and hands. Watts understands the offense and knows how to get open.... CB Willie Middlebrooks, the first-round pick in 2001, finally is healthy. He has been one of the biggest surprises of camp, keeping up with receivers and showing the athleticism that marked his play in college. He already was one of the team's top special teams players; now, he is ready to step in and play adequately if one of the starting corners is injured.... DT Luther Elliss will be a force if he stays healthy. He will stuff the run and attract blockers, which will take some pressure off LE Trevor Pryce.... TE Jeb Putzier is pushing for playing time but has yet to heat out starter Byron Chamberlain. Putzier is a terrific receiver with deceptive speed, but his blocking, though improving, is barely adequate. The team needs a tight end with the complete package--if Putzier's blocking improves, he could be that player. PROBLEM SPOT: George Foster is making slow, steady progress as the new starter at right tackle. Foster (6-5, 338) is remarkably light on his feet for a big man and is tough and resilient. But he struggles against power rushers such as Pryce, who has dominated Foster in camp. Expect Foster to struggle early but become a solid pro by midseason.--Patrick Saunders

HOUSTON TEXANS QB David Carr has never looked better. He is throwing the ball well in every workout, and that consistency leads many to believe this will be his breakout season. His arm strength is well-documented, but a lot of people don't realize how mobile Carr is. The team plans to take more advantage of his ability to throw on the run. If the line holds up, expect Carr to show why he was the first overall pick in the 2002 draft.... WLB Jamie Sharper led the league in tackles behind a makeshift line last year, but few realize how good he is. His goal this season is to create more impact plays, such as sacks and turnovers. If he succeeds, the rest of the league will have to take notice.... No one on the team runs better routes than No. 3 WR Jabar Gaffney, who is having a great camp. Look for him to bump up his numbers; he caught 34 passes for 402 yards and two touchdowns last year. ROOKIE REPORT: CB Dunta Robinson has shown the aggressiveness and closing speed coaches love. They plan to give him a lot of work in the slot because the staff believes his physical style is a natural fit there. It also would allow cover corner Demarcus Faggins to play outside when the team uses its nickel defense. OLB Jason Babin has showed nifty pass-rush moves and a relentless motor. He has appeared lost at times, but his spin move already is NFL-caliber. Babin and Robinson are being counted on to start and help improve the defense, which ranked 31st in 2003.--Carlton Thompson