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Inside the AFC.(NFL)

The Sporting News

| April 01, 2005 | COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)Copyright

After the departure of Fred Miller, the TITANS' right tackle spot is open, but there's no proven replacement on the roster. Time is running out for third-year RT Todd Williams. Williams still doesn't use good technique and thinks so much that it makes him late off the ball. He has good hands and power but needs to use his strength better. ... CHARGERS CB Sammy Davis is penciled in at nickel back after losing his starting job to Drayton Florence. Davis is quick and fluid and has good ball-awareness skills, but he struggled to finish plays in his first two seasons. He regularly was around the ball but often was outmuscled by bigger receivers. To regain confidence, he needs to perform well in the offseason program and have a strong training camp. ... A key to COLTS QB Peyton Manning's success has been his ability to step up in the pocket, which requires impeccable protection. Now that LG Rick DeMulling, one of the unit's most consistent linemen, has signed with the Lions, Gs Jake Scott and Ryan Lilja must step up. Scott (6-5, 280), a second-year man, is more of a finesse player than a mauler. Lilja (6-2, 285) played well when injuries sidelined DeMulling. ... The DOLPHINS' decision to sign SS Tebucky Jones (Saints) was interesting because he has been an enigma throughout his career. Jones (6-2, 218) is big and fast but never has been considered good in coverage. There also is concern that he doesn't change direction quickly enough. ... After the STEELERS released veteran TE Jay Riemersma for salary cap purposes, tight end became a huge need; the team likes to use a lot of two-tight end formations in the running game. Jerame Tuman, a serviceable blocker and receiver, is the team's only tight end capable of playing on a regular basis. The team likely will take one on the first day of the draft. ... RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala didn't have much of a role with the JAGUARS last season and rarely is healthy, but the team re-signed him and will give him every opportunity to be Fred Taylor's top backup. When healthy, the 252-pound Ma'afala is effective between the tackles and in short-yardage situations. ... The pressure will be on BRONCOS second-year WR Darius Watts to make significant strides during the offseason. He needs to learn the offense better and work on his concentration. He had far too many dropped balls last season and had trouble making catches in traffic. ... The addition of DT Bryan Robinson, should help BENGALS DT John Thornton collect more sacks. Robinson is a veteran wide-body who can tie up two blockers. Thornton is undersized (6-2, 292), but his strength and power make him an ...

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