Focus: youth movement.(NFL)

The time has come for fourth-year WR Doug Gabriel to become more than a role player. His ability to get open deep and make big plays is intriguing, so look for the Raiders to use Gabriel more in two- and three-receiver sets and view him as more than a secondary option on those plays.... The Vikings' new staff has identified right tackle as Marcus Johnson's best position because of his blocking instincts and superior footwork. As a rookie last season, he worked at both guard spots as well as right tackle, and the position switches hampered his progress.... Last season, the 49ers had difficulty finding a dependable slot receiver, and rookie Brandon Williams is a leading candidate to fill that role and take on punt return duties. Williams (5-10, 179) is somewhat undersized but is willing to go over the middle and make the catch in traffic.... Third-round pick Clint Ingram has a shot to be the latest Jaguar to start as a rookie. Coach Jack Del Rio likes speedy playmakers at weakside linebacker, and Ingram fits that description. If he can pick up the schemes and terminology quickly, the job could be his.... Markus Curry, who spent last season on the practice squad, could become the Chargers' No. 3 corner, particularly if first-round pick Antonio Cromartie takes awhile to develop. Curry has strong instincts for the ball, is quick and has showed solid technique. He would line up against the slot receiver.... Rookie DT Dusty Dvoracek fits the Bears' profile for a nose tackle better than players they already have in place, such as Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone. Though he has a tendency to play high, Dvoracek has a good football IQ and generally gets a solid push upfield. He likely will work into the tackle rotation quickly.... If Browns DE Nick Eason plays well, he will get plenty of time relieving starters Orpheus Roye and Alvin McKinley and give coach Romeo Crennel the three-end rotation he wants. Eason, entering his fourth year, has adequate size and ...