Inside the NFC.(NFL)

With a strong coach such as Bill Parcells, new COWBOYS QB Drew Bledsoe will be more likely to follow his progression of reads instead of trying to make the big play every time he drops back to pass. Bledsoe has been sacked 140 times in the past three years, often because he has held on to the ball too long trying to make a play downfield.... The SEAHAWKS want to re-sign both CB Ken Lucas and LE Chike Okeafor, but Lucas is a slightly higher priority because no one on the current roster could replace him as a starter. Lucas improved his game considerably last season by doing more film study to pick up opponents' tendencies. The added mental preparation allowed him to play more instinctively.... With the signing of Muhsin Muhammad, the BEARS finally have a wide receiver to build their passing game around. Muhammad (6-2,217) scored 16 TDs in 2004; the entire Bears offense scored 19. He can outmuscle corners for the ball and is adept at making catches in traffic. By filing a major need before the draft, the Bears have more options with the fourth overall pick. They will look closely at a running back or could trade down.... The PANTHERS will have to add a big wideout to help fill Muhammad's blocking role in the running game. Southern California's Mike Williams is a first-round possibility.... By releasing veteran DBs Omar Stoutmire and Terry Cousin, the GIANTS cleared the way for younger players to assume important roles. Gibril Wilson, 23, is all but certain to start, either at strong or free safety, and S Curry Burns, 24, has shown enough promise to play at least a supporting role this season. At cornerback, the team likes Curtis DeLoatch, 23, who has speed and size (6-2, 217). CB Frank Walker, 24, a risk-taking playmaker, also figures to be in the mix.... Though the 49ERS initially were concerned about how RE Andre Carter would fit in with a planned move to a 3-4 base scheme, the coaching staff now is more confident in his value. Carter will be a designated pass rusher in 3-4 alignments; his role could be similar to the "elephant" position Charles Haley once played for the 49ers.... Backup RB Aaron Stecker should benefit from the arrival of new SAINTS coordinator Mike Sheppard. Sheppard values Stecker's versatility and playmaking ability. Look for Stecker to share the backfield with starter Deuce McAllister more often, allowing the team to isolate either back in mismatches in the passing game.... The LIONS accomplished a big off-season goal by re-signing Dominic Raiola, one of the best pass-blocking centers. Raiola has cut back on some of his previous bad habits, such as playing too high and struggling to get to the second level. ... RT Jon Jansen's ...