June AFC Team Dispatches

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

What a story he has become. After barely seeing the field for two seasons in San Diego, the former UCLA Bruin was cut after returning from a knee injury. He spent 2006 and 2007 largely invisible seasons with the Jets and was subsequently released.

The Titans signed him as a street free agent prior to 2008, and he produced 4.5 sacks, an interception return for a touchdown, and three starts. Underdog supporters, check him out.

AFC WEST

BRONCOS

What a mess the Broncos have with their front-seven, particularly the front-three.
One guy who notched zero sacks in 16 starts in 2008 (Marcus Thomas) is likely to start at one end, and another who wasn't good enough to start in a 4-3 (Kenny Peterson) will likely be the other.

But, then again, two camp bodies, Ryan McBean and Matthias Askew, who have barely played and bounced around the league for a few seasons, may start.
On top of that, nose man Ronald Fields has proven better at end in the 3-4.

Hopefully, inside linebackers D.J. Williams and Andra Davis like seeing guards up close and personal.

Also, on defense, who starts at outside linebacker opposite Elvis Dumervil? Right now, it would be Darrell Reid—a backup defensive tackle and special teamer his entire career in Indy. That's not a comforting thought.

Here's to someone from the inside linebacker group of Boss Bailey, Wesley Woodyard, Nick Griesen, or Mario Haggan getting a look (at least on run downs) at the outside spot.

CHIEFS

Like the Broncos, the Chiefs are undergoing the transition to a 3-4.

Last year's top choice, Glenn Dorsey, is proving not to be a fit at end or nose tackle. He's behind Tank Tyler and Ron Edwards at nose tackle and rookie Alex Magee at end.

Once the club decided to go to the 3-4, it was too bad the rookie's salary didn't permit the Chiefs to dump Dorsey on someone who runs a 4-3. A club like New Orleans or Jacksonville is needy, and Dorsey could have played his natural under tackle spot.  After an invisible season in 2009, they won't get a fifth-rounder for him.

Not even Warren Sapp, another true 4-3 tackle, could post numbers in a 3-4 when Oakland ran the defense.

If projected strongside starter Mike Vrabel doesn't show up soon, the Chiefs have the same issue as Denver—a hole at one outside spot.

Undersized Demorrio Williams would likely have to square off against former ends Turk McBride and Andy Studebaker if Vrabel's situation is prolonged into camp.

RAIDERS

The Raiders will have healthy competition at offensive tackle. Former Jag starter Khalif Barnes is running behind Mario Henderson at left tackle.

Mediocre Cornell Green remains on the right side, but the loser of the left tackle battle will likely get a look there (especially if it's Henderson, who has started on the right side).

Former Bronco Erik Pears, who started on both sides in Denver before missing most of 2008, and tackle/guard Paul McQuistan will compete on the right side in camp.

The Raiders look determined to get No. 1 pick Darrius Heyward-Bey on the field at wideout, but the other side is muddled.

Javon Walker is trying to prove he is still relevant after nearly being cut. Youngsters Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilens had their moment together late in 2008. Also aboard is rookie Louis Murphy, who some considered a first day talent out of Florida.

They'll all benefit from tight end Zach Miller. He was known for his hands at Arizona State and lived up to the hype as a rookie (56-778-1).

CHARGERS

Two camp battles to look forward to: Ryan Bingham versus former starter Jacque Cesaire at left defensive end and Tim Dobbins/Kevin Burnett/maybe Matt Wilhelm at inside linebacker.

Dobbins, who took over for Wilhelm at midseason, is the safe bet on holding off newly signed Burnett—at least on running downs.

At the weakest spot of the defense, it would be nice if Steve Gregory or rookie Kevin Ellison could bump pedestrian strong safety Clinton Hart from the lineup. Hart just doesn't seem to offer much range from the spot. When was the last time the Chargers had two worry-free safeties?

It'll be a big year for wideout Buster Davis. After catching a disappointing 20 passes as a rookie in 2007, Davis was lost after four games in 2008. If the former first-rounder can't beat out third-wideout Malcolm Floyd and contribute seriously in 2009, he's a big draft miss for the Chargers.

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