NFC.(National Football Conference pre-draft team analyses)

Arizona

CASH UP FRONT: Team officials think they solidified the offensive line by signing free-agent G Pete Kendall to a five-year, $18 million deal. But the contract counts $3.75 million toward this year's cap, leaving the club only $722,000. If Kendall's contract had been more cap friendly in the first year, the team might have been able to bring in a defensive tackle to shore up the weakest part of the club. But owner Bill Bidwill thinks such arrangements only cause future salary cap problems.... Conventional wisdom says the team will take a defensive lineman with its first pick. But Dave McGinnis and other coaches are high on Texas OT Leonard Davis, a 370-pounder who can play on the left side. If the team thinks Davis is special, it could take him with that pick, then address defensive line needs in the next two rounds.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES ANALYSIS: The team thinks it has two of the best young tackles in LT L.J. Shelton and RT Anthony Clement. Shelton is entering his third season, and Clement will be in his fourth. Both have struggled with injuries but can become fixtures at their positions. So the tackle spots aren't a desperate need--this year. Clement, though, will be an unrestricted free agent next year. Salary cap constraints might make it tough to keep both Shelton and Clement, especially with the money the team is paying Kendall and C Mike Gruttadauria. There is a void of talent behind the two starters. Norberto Davidds-Garrido can fill in at either spot, but a long-term injury to one of the starters would be devastating. --Kent Somers

Atlanta

SPEED NEED: The 2000 team looked better equipped to plow through snow than to race on the Georgia Dome artificial turf. With 230-pound RB Jamal Anderson as the centerpiece of the run-first offense and no pure deep threat at receiver, this was not a dome team. With the No. 5 pick, the team could add some needed speed, particularly at receiver. But if OT Leonard Davis is available, the team likely will take him and look for an impact receiver in the second round. QB Chris Chandler still throws one of the best long balls. But often the line didn't give him time to throw deep, and he didn't have a target who could get separation.... Davis and NC State WR Koren Robinson were expected to visit this week. Others expected at some point: Missouri DE Justin Smith, Florida DT Gerard Warren, Michigan WR David Terrell, Mississippi RB Deuce McAllister and Florida OT Kenyatta Walker.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES ANALYSIS: A longtime anchor, LT Bob Whitfield is the only definite starter on the line entering camp. He still has quick feet and sets an example with his hustle and determination. This is a key year for RT Ephraim Salaam, who wasn't up to speed until midseason after knee surgery and who must compete with Michael Thompson, a second-year player who showed promise before a season-ending Achilles' injury. Bob Hallen finished last year as the only backup at tackle, but he is a natural guard. Travis Claridge is likely to stay at right guard. Wes Shivers is the only other returning tackle. --Charles Odum

Carolina