AFC.

Baltimore

EXPENDABLE: SS Kim Herring became the first starter lost off the league's best defense, but he won't be missed that much. Herring, who signed a five-year deal with the Rams, put up career numbers with the Ravens last season, but when he bruised his ankle in the playoffs, Corey Harris played extremely well in two postseason games. Those games assured the Ravens that Harris is an adequate replacement at a cheaper price. Harris will give the team more of a physical presence against the run but is suspect against the long pass.... The Jamie Sharper saga continues. The team reportedly has withdrawn a five-year, $22.5 million offer that Sharper, according to people close to him, was about to accept. The Ravens think they were negotiating against themselves for the unrestricted free-agent linebacker.

GUARDS ANALYSIS: LG Edwin Mulitalo, the heaviest player on the roster at 355 pounds, has become a fixture on the offensive line. His forte is run blocking and, despite his size, he has surprisingly quick feet and can cover a lot of ground. The Ravens have Kipp Vickers penciled in as their starting right guard, but that might change. The position became open recently when the team moved Mike Flynn from guard to center. Vickers played well in spots last season, but he isn't agile or fast enough to reach the second level of defenses, a criteria coach Brian Billick stresses in his guard play. The Ravens plan to re-sign unrestricted free agent Orlando Bobo, but his performance was not all that impressive last season. --Mike Preston

Buffalo

COMING BACK: FS Keion Carpenter and WR Jeremy McDaniel have accepted offers and will return as expected. Carpenter, a surprise starter last year, played very well, showing good range and anticipation. He had five interceptions despite missing the last four games with an ankle injury: McDaniel might have been the team's most improved player. A member of the practice squad in 1999, he ended the season as the Bills' third-leading receiver. In the eyes of some, he was better than starter. Peerless Price.... Jerry Ostroski is moving from center back to guard, his natural position, meaning that Billy Conaty will get a fair shot to start at center. The previous staff had kept Ostroski at guard because of a lack of faith in Conaty. The Bills don't want to move Ostroski again, so even if Conaty fails, they will look to address the center position in the draft or free agency.

GUARDS ANALYSIS: Ruben Brown will remain a Pro Bowl player as long as he stays healthy. The downside is he sometimes loses concentration, which leads to false starts and holding penalties. When focused and motivated, he can be a physically dominant blocker. His quickness off the ball and good leverage allow him to move defenders off the line. He's a good pass protector because of his long arms, strong hands and nimble feet. Ostroski should be happy to be back at guard, where his tenacity and toughness can be put to better use. Like Brown, Ostroski is strong enough to knock people off the ball, although he is not as good at pass blocking as Brown. --Allen Wilson

Cincinnati