Inside the NFC.

LIONS LB Boss Bailey (ankle) won't take the field until the start of training camp, and when he does, he'll move from the strong side to the middle. In the cover 2 scheme, it's imperative to have a middle linebacker who gets deep quickly and has the agility to play the pass--skills Bailey possesses.... For now, CARDINALS second-round pick Deuce Lutui is the backup to LG Reggie Wells, but it's going to be difficult to keep Lutui off the field. If Wells, who is coming back from an ankle injury, is healthy in training camp, he could move to center, and Lutui could play guard.... The VIKINGS are eager to see SS Tank Williams in full pads so they can determine whether he will bring needed attitude to the secondary. Williams is known as an enforcer, but he struggled last year with the Titans as he recovered from knee surgery.... Moving back inside to the backup under tackle spot will help the FALCONS' Jonathan Babineaux, who has worked to get stronger this offseason. He struggled to hold up against bigger opponents as the fill-in starter at right end last season, and the run defense suffered.... FS Chris Harris, a 2005 sixth-round pick, was pushed into a starting role last season, but the BEARS' decision to draft FS Danieal Manning might indicate uncertainty about Harris' future. Harris is solid in run support but doesn't have ideal recovery speed and doesn't make a lot of plays on the ball.... The COWBOYS are confident Akin Ayodele can shift to inside linebacker because he will be playing on the weak side, where he won't have to battle as much traffic. The scheme is designed for him to flow to the ball and use his speed to make plays. He'll also get a chance to blitz....The 49ERS signed former Texans FB Moran Norris to compete for the starting job with Chris Hetherington. Norris (6-1,254) is a powerful lead blocker whose style fits the smash-mouth running game favored by new coordinator Norv Turner.... EAGLES TE Matt Schobel rarely gets tied up in traffic at the line and runs solid routes, attributes that made him an attractive free-agent pickup. Look for him to be used as a receiver with starter L.J. Smith in two-tight end sets.... With Julian Peterson starting at strongside linebacker, the SEAHAWKS' D.D. Lewis will return to a more prominent role on special teams, where his speed and playmaking ability were missed on the coverage units last season. Lewis also will be featured in situational roles on defense because of his ability to drop into coverage and make plays near the line.... The BUCCANEERS' Brian Kelly is one of the game's better cornerbacks. He uses his incredible range to make plays all over the field, including against the run, and is especially dangerous in coverage on short and intermediate routes. His one weakness: Speedy wideouts sometimes beat him deep.... REDSKINS WRs Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd are grasping the new offense quickly. All three have been showing explosiveness off the line, getting open deep and making plays.... The PACKERS will feel OL Kevin Barry's loss only if there is a rash of injuries. Barry, out for the season with a torn thigh muscle, probably blew his chance to start at guard because of weight problems, and the new staff didn't plan to use him at tackle. The pressure is on Junius Coston and Jason Spitz at right guard. ... With an eye toward adding more experience on the bench, the GIANTS signed QB Rob Johnson to battle Tim Hasselbeck for the top backup job. A smart player who has shown good accuracy, Johnson knows his place on the roster and should be able to help starter []1 Manning through any struggles.... DT Tony Brown was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year in NFL Europe, but his best chance at making the PANTHERS' roster might be as a defensive end. His decent speed gives him potential as a pass rusher, and he could fill a special teams role by getting penetration on field-goal attempts.... So far, talk about the RAMS incorporating elements of the 3-4 defense has been premature; the team has worked strictly with a 4-3 front ...