AFC.(brief notes on American Football Conference)

Baltimore

KEY RESERVE: The re-signing of reserve LB Cornell Brown might not seem like a big deal, but it is a major addition for the team. Brown, who played a lot in running situations for oft-inJured strongside LB Peter Boulware, can play all three linebacker positions. Also, he is one of the team's best special teams players.... The team should be able to get a deal done with veteran QB Randall Cunningham to fill the No. 3 slot. It wanted to have Cunningham on the roster shortly before or after June 1. If the team can't sign Cunningham, it will pursue former Chargers backup Moses Moreno.

DEFENSIVE ENDS ANALYSIS: Michael McCrary plays on the ride side and is called a pass-rushing specialist, but he also plays the run pretty well, especially in backside pursuit. He was the team's second-leading tackler last season. McCrary's small build (6-4, 260) is deceptive because he is very powerful, but the key is his desire and relentlessness to make a tackle or get a sack. Rob Burnett was dominant last season. He was fourth in tackles and led the Ravens in sacks (10 1/2). Burnett is a warrior and a schemer who can play with power or finesse. Losing backup Keith Washington to Denver in free agency hurt because he frequently rotated with McCrary and Burnett, keeping them fresh. That role now falls to untested Adalius Thomas. --Mike Preston

Buffallo

HELP ON THE LINE: The team claimed OL Craig Heimburger, who was cut by the Bengals, with the idea of trying him at guard and center. The team's depth is thin at both spots. Heimburger was a fifth-round pick of the Packers in 1999. He has played in only two NFL games but was an All-NFL Europe pick with the Rhein Fire in 2000.... The team filled an important vacancy in the front office by hiring John Guy as director of pro personnel. Guy has been a scout with the Browns since 1998 and has 26 years of experience as an assistant coach.

DEFENSIVE ENDS ANALYSIS: The pressure is on Erik Flowers to fill the right end spot vacated by Marcellus Wiley. Flowers, the team's top draft pick last year, has great quickness off the line and good pass-rushing techniques. But he still is learning how to take on run blockers. Phil Hansen returns for his 11th season, but he is coming off a knee injury that shortened last season. He is not physically overpowering, nor does he possess great athletic ability, but he plays with smarts and intensity. He also can play tackle in a four-man line on passing downs. Second-round pick Aaron Schobel is an athletically gifted pass rusher who could have an instant impact in passing situations. Veteran Shawn Price is not a great pass rusher, but he is tenacious and stands his ground against the run. --Allen Wilson

Cincinnati