Inside the NFC.(NFL)

Depth issues prompted the CARDINALS to move Calvin Pace to strongside linebacker from defensive end, the position he played during his first three NFL seasons. Pace has the skills to make the transition: He is smart and runs well enough to chase down ballcarriers. ... The PANTHERS' Jordan Gross, who had offseason shoulder surgery, is expected to be healthy by the start of training camp. Gross had a solid 2005 season after moving back to right tackle--he played left tackle in 2004--but he struggled at times in pass protection and must take better advantage of his quickness to thwart rushers. ... Rookie Anthony Fasano will be the COWBOYS' "move" tight end, which means they'll use him in motion and as a lead blocker. Fasano, a second-round pick, is a good receiver who does a nifty job of finding soft spots in zones. He'll need to get used to making blocks in space, something he didn't have to do often at Notre Dame. ... 49ERS OLB Corey Smith will get the chance to start full time as Andre Carter's projected replacement. Smith has the size (6-2,250) and strength to get off blocks, make tackles and match up against Light ends. A converted defensive end, he must continue to polish his coverage skills. ...

The RAMS want to incorporate elements of a power-running game into their attack, which makes it important for RT Alex Barren to anchor better. Barron already has great athleticism and a huge wingspan; he has spent the offseason working on his strength. ... The SAINTS are getting the veteran leadership they were looking for from DT Hollis Thomas, who was acquired from the Eagles. Injuries have limited him to situational duty on rushing downs the past few years, but he will battle underachieving DT Johnathan Sullivan for a place in the rotation. ... Chris Cooley will line up more often as a standard tight end in the REDSKINS' expanded offense this season, but he occasionally will be a motion man in the backfield. Sometimes he'll serve as a receiver, other times as a lead blocker. Cooley has excellent hands and a knack for finding openings in the defense. ... The PACKERS likely will mix and match their defensive tackles to make the best use of each one's talents. Against a power-running club, the Packers can go with classic run stuffers Ryan Pickett and Colin Cole; against a passing team, they can play feisty Corey Williams and speedy Cullen Jenkins. ... BUCCANEERS LB Jamie Winborn has been working out on the strong side. He's a little small (5-11,242) for the position, but the Bucs often employ an "over" defensive front that lines up the strongside linebacker opposite the tight end. That alignment would help Winborn avoid unfavorable matchups. ... The SEAHAWKS' release of OT Wayne Bunter places even more importance on Ray Willis' continued improvement as the primary backup to LT Walter Jones and RT Sean Locklear. Willis, a 2005 fourth-round pick, has been one of the stars of the team's offseason program and has improved his strength and quickness. ... FB Cory Schlesinger will lose playing time in the LIONS' new offense but still is expected to have a role. There will be times when the team has to pound the ball, and it doesn't have anyone who can throw lead blocks as well as Schlesinger. ... FALCONS WR Adam Jennings, a sixth-round pick, stood out in minicamp drills because of his speed and ability to make acrobatic catches, but it might take him a while to understand the nuances of running mutes. ... The VIKINGS already had good depth at wide receiver, but Billy McMullen, acquired from the Eagles, is well-versed in the West Coast offense. His lanky 6-4 frame could make him a good red zone target. ... Some GIANTS coaches think LB Reggie Torbor will face stiff competition from impressive rookie Gerris Wilkinson, who can play both sides. Torbor has good measurables, but his play has been ...