AFC.(American Football Conference team analyses)

Baltimore

STAYING PUT: It appears S Rod Woodson, an unrestricted free agent, will be with the team this season. The Ravens did not pick up an option in Woodson's contract a few months ago, but the two parties are close to a deal. Woodson is an integral part of the team's record-setting defense, not just because of his physical abilities but also because of his leadership.... Look for the team to intensify negotiations with FB Sam Gash, an unrestricted free agent. Gash, possibly the league's best blocking fullback, was a big reason RB Jamal Lewis rushed for 1,364 yards last year. While hoping to improve its passing game with QB Elvis Grbac, the team knows that Lewis with Gash is a proven commodity.

RUNNING BACKS ANALYSIS: Lewis reportedly has gone through an extensive offseason training program. If there was room for improvement, it was in his endurance. Lewis, the No. 5 pick in last year's draft, seemed to slow down at the end of the season. The team doesn't have a backup running back, but it may use FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo in that role. Both Lewis and Ayanbadejo are capable receivers out of the backfield. If the season started today, Ayanbadejo would be the No. 1 fullback. However, look for the team to sign Gash and/or Chuck Evans. Of the three fullbacks, Gash is the best blocker, and Ayanbadejo has better hands. --Mike Preston

Buffalo

IMPORTANT ACQUISITION: With all the attention focused on the draft, the signing of free-agent OT Kris Farris was overlooked. The 6-8, 322-pound Farris was an All-American and Outland Trophy winner at UCLA. In 1999, he was drafted in the third round by the Steelers, who were run at the time by Bills G.M Tom Donahoe. Farris never played for the Steelers and later failed a physical with the Bengals because of an ankle injury. Now healthy, Farris might help solidify the Bills' offensive-line depth. He could even win a starting job if OT Robert Hicks isn't productive.... Rookie free-agent pickup Tim Hasselbeck will compete with Pete Gonzalez for the team's No. 3 quarterback spot.

RUNNING BACKS ANALYSIS: Second-round pick Travis Henry improves the team's committee of backs. Henry is a threat to get playing time on first and second downs because he runs hard between the tackles. He must prove he can catch the ball consistently but has a better pedigree than Sammy Morris and Shawn Bryson. Bryson still might be the team's most complete back, possessing size, power and 4.3-second speed in the 40. The odd men out might be Antowain Smith and Jonathan Linton, though Linton could stick because of his ability to play fullback. The team's only true fullbacks are developmental prospects Josh Roth and Phillip Crosby. --Allen Wilson

Cincinnati