Inside the AFC.(NFL)

The JAGUARS weren't expected to place a franchise tag on SS Donovin Darius for a third time, but they did because of the lobbying of coach Jack Del Rio, who considers the hard-hitting Darius an integral part of the team's defense, especially against the run. Del Rio also values Darius' leadership.... The DOLPHINS probably won't use the second overall draft pick on a running back. One reason is their confidence in RB Lamar Gordon, who carried only 35 times in 2004 before a separated shoulder ended his season. Gordon (6-1, 228) has good power between the tackles and has enough speed to turn the corner, but he is injury-prone. The team will pursue a running back at some point in the draft to provide competition for Gordon, but it doesn't believe it needs to take one in the first round.... Last season, STEELERS defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau made an excellent decision to rotate young CBs Ricardo Colclaugh and Ike Taylor at nickel back. The idea was to get each player experience because one is expected to start in 2005. Colclough is the favorite because he has better speed and coverage skills, but Taylor has outstanding athletic ability and does a good job of reacting to the ball.... No single player will be able to replace CB Ty Law, who was released by the PATRIOTS. Look for the team to spend a first-day pick on a corner who not only can cover but is strong against the run. If Oregon State's Brandon Browner falls to the last pick in the first round, he could be a good fit. In addition, the Pats probably will add a veteran corner with the potential to start.... The BRONCOS are doing everything they can to retain CB Lenny Wails, a restricted free agent. Walls received a $1.4 million qualifying offer, which assures the Broncos of first-round compensation if another team signs him. Walls needs to plays well for the Broncos in 2005, especially now that the Raiders have re-signed WR Jerry Porter and are acquiring WR Randy Moss. At 6-4, Walls has the size to match up with them.... With starting ILB Randall Godfrey hinting at retirement, Stephen Cooper could play a bigger role for the CHARGERS. In limited playing time last season, Cooper showed he is athletic, physical and strong at the point of contact. Godfrey still has good mobility and recognition skills, but he has been bothered by nagging injuries.... RE Jared Allen's rapid progress as a rookie allowed the CHIEFS to release Vonnie Holliday. Allen took Holliday's starting job early in 2004 and went on to lead the team in sacks with nine. Holliday never lived up to expectations with the Chiefs, partly because of injuries.... As expected, the JETS placed the franchise tag on RE John Abraham, and G.M. Terry Bradway says the team isn't going to trade him. Abraham has durability issues, but he is the team's only pure pass rusher, and the secondary was exposed when he missed time last season.... TITANS FB Troy Fleming is expected to take over for Robert Holcombe, who was released. Fleming is a willing blocker and a promising receiver, and the team likes his potential. The Titans lined up Fleming on the outside at times last season to take advantage of matchups, and they should do that even more.... The RAIDERS restructured the contract of QB Rich Gannon, but he isn't likely to return. Gannon still is recovering from the neck ...