Inside the NFC.(NFL)

RAMS WR Kevin Curtis was impressive late in the season and has the kind of top-end speed needed for the team's deep passing game to flourish. Curtis isn't afraid to go over the middle, has good hands and has shown surprising toughness as a blocker despite his small frame (5-11, 186). ... If Mike Wahle or Marco Rivera leaves as a free agent, PACKERS C Mike Flanagan will be a candidate to fill the void at guard, pending his healthy return from a knee injury. Although Flanagan is the team's best option at center, he has the versatility to play any position on the line. Rookie C Scott Wells has impressed the coaching staff and could start if Flanagan moves. For a smaller player, Wells (6-1, 300) plays with good leverage and moves well. ... A proven starter, REDSKINS CB Walt Harris showed he could be patient as a reserve this season, playing well in the nickel defense. Harris, 30, is solid in man coverage and smart in zones. His speed isn't what it once was, but he plays with excellent technique and does a good job of forcing receivers to alter their routes. ... It's likely the PANTHERS will bring in someone with experience to push FS Colin Branch for the starting job. In his first year as a starter, Branch frequently was out of position in pass coverage and was ineffective against the run. Still, he has good athletic ability and some upside. ... RB Mewelde Moore's production was a pleasant surprise for the VIKINGS. When healthy, Moore is the team's most elusive open-field runner. One of Minnesota's offseason challenges is figuring out how to get Moore on the field regularly. He can help himself by continuing to improve his blitz-pickup skills. ... BUCCANEERS QB Chris Simms won't be a starter if he doesn't do a better job of securing snaps. The problem appears to be a result of Simms pulling out too soon from behind center. Better protection probably would go a long way toward eliminating the problem. ... New CARDINALS offensive coordinator Keith Rowen has coached tight ends for the past six years, so it's likely he'll try to get more production out of that position next season. Free agent Freddie Jones isn't expected to return, but Eric Edwards emerged as the season progressed. Edwards caught the ball well but needs to work on his blocking. ... The COWBOYS have begun to discuss moving Flozell Adams from left to right tackle, which would give Jacob Rogers an opportunity to play left tackle. Rogers didn't play much this season, in part because he never felt comfortable at right tackle, and Adams' versatility probably would make it easier for him to switch sides. ... If the 49ERS release MLB Derek Smith in a cost-cutting measure despite his solid production, LB Jeff Ulbrich would be a natural fit to fill his spot. Ulbrich fits the mold of a middle linebacker but typically has started on the weak side. His ability to read offenses is perhaps the best on the team. ... The SAINTS weren't happy with RB Deuce McAllister's conditioning or performance this season. He carried about eight pounds more than coaches would like, and it showed in his lack of speed. Look for the team to work McAllister hard to get his weight down to around 225. ... Anthony Simmons, the SEAHAWKS' big-play outside linebacker, isn't expected to be ready for contact until training camp after having surgery to repair his left wrist. Simmons' explosiveness and ability to chase down plays were missed during the second half of the season. His replacement, Isaiah Kacyvenski, lacks Simmons' speed and missed a lot of tackles. ... One option for fixing the BEARS' left tackle problem is to move RT John Tait to that side. But the team still needs to add another tackle and has to be concerned about its guards, too. ... Free-agent QB Jesse Palmer could remain in the mix for the GIANTS' No. 2 job behind Eli Manning. Palmer impressed the new staff last summer with his ...