NFC South

ATLANTA FALCONS

WR Michael Jenkins, a first-year starter, has impressed coaches since his return from an ankle injury that kept him out for two games in November. Jenkins already was a good downfield blocker, the result of extensive work on special teams last year, but he has shown an improved ability to separate from coverage and has fought to make difficult catches.... Finally clear of multiple injury problems, RCB Jason Webster clearly is faster, particularly on deep routes, and does a good job of making tackles and defending the sidelines. He lost his starting job to Kevin Mathis late last season but has started 11 of 13 games in 2005. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER: Roddy White will be a true No. 1 wideout in his second season, something the team hasn't had since QB Michael Vick took over. He always has been fast, but his 54-yard touchdown against the Saints in Week 14, when he beat double coverage by adjusting his route to catch an underthrown pass, showed his ability to react to what the defense throws at him.--George Henry

CAROLINA PANTHERS

After a slow start, rookie Thomas Davis is emerging as a significant factor on defense. Though he doesn't start, he is getting ample playing time as a linebacker in the nickel defense. The team tries to take advantage of Davis' special combination of speed and size (6-0, 231) by sometimes dropping him into coverage and sometimes using him to rush the passer. He has the skills to be an every-down linebacker and should be dramatically improved next season.... After giving up on disappointing WR Rod Gardner, the team will give more playing time to second-year player Drew Carter as a third or fourth receiver. Carter is raw but has an excellent upside. He might be the fastest player on the team and has good size (6-3, 200). He will be a situational player the rest of this season, but he has a chance to get significant playing time next year. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER: Rookie Evan Mathis will have a shot to be the starter at right guard next year. The team expects Mathis (6-5,304) to be a long-term upgrade over current starter Tutan Reyes because Mathis has superior quickness and athletic ability. The combination of Mathis and RT Jordan Gross would give the team lots of explosiveness and athleticism on the right side. Reyes is scheduled to become a free agent after the season.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Sixth-year RB Aaron Stecker again has proved his value as a change-of-pace runner and receiver. He likely will continue in that role after RB Deuce McAllister (knee) returns in 2006. Stecker can move laterally behind the line of scrimmage to find holes and can turn the corner on screen passes.... Veteran DE Darren Howard seems certain to leave as a free agent in the offseason after being deactivated for the final four games. Howard, 29, has been bothered by a chronic knee injury, and his production dropped in 2005. Rookie Jimmy Verdon will replace Howard and back up LE Will Smith. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER: Rookie RT Jammal Brown has held up very well during a trying season. He performed ably against elite ends Michael Strahan and Julius Peppers. He has committed many false start penalties but few holding penalties, and he has not allowed many sacks. Brown has tremendous athletic ability and could eventually move to left tackle. He is a much-needed young stud on a veteran offensive line.--Mike Triplett

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

DT Anthony McFarland's lingering hamstring injury should not result in a big drop-off along the front four. Ellis Wyms (6-3, 279) is a valuable reserve who would start for a lot of teams. Wyms' strength is rushing the passer. He's quick off the ball and good at shooting gaps. He has improved as a run stopper but lacks the size to consistently shed blockers and hold up at the point of attack.... One of the keys to the offense's success before last week was the play of Gs Dan Buenning and Sean Mahan. Both have excellent mobility and get off the line quickly. That allows them to get past the linemen and take out linebackers. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER: TE Alex Smith, 23, has been more involved as a receiver recently but more often than not has been used as a blocker in maximum protection. Smith has good speed and excellent route-running skills and does a good job of getting open in seams. He also has good hands and runs well after the catch, so the team likely will devise a set of plays for him in the offseason.--Roy Cummings

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