ESPN NFL

Houston Texans

The Texans have lots of needs to address in the draft, but running back and safety top the list.

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain points out both the draft's top wide receiver (Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant) and top tight end (Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham) missed time in 2009.

Also from the Chronicle: Lance Zierlein says teams may be changing their opinion on selecting guards and centers at the top of the draft.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have reportedly waived running back Chad Simpson, leaving the team in need of a kick returner. Blog Stampede Blue asks: Why?

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars don't need another running back, but could be tempted to draft Clemson's C.J. Spiller, writes Michael C. Wright. "We've got to grade them and not base [our picks] on need," Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said.

Blog Big Cat Country has compiled a list of draft picks the Jaguars have been linked to.

Tennessee Titans

Quarterback Vince Young has put the past behind him and is ready to be a leader for the Titans, writes the Tennessean's Jim Wyatt.

Also from Wyatt: The Titans will consider drafting a corner.

The Titans have enjoyed success with the 16th pick in the past.

The Titans’ 2009 search for a returner was a failure. In recent years, the Colts haven’t shown a lot of interest in finding a dynamic one.

Universal thinking is each team can solve the issue in the upcoming draft, though it would take a change in Indianapolis' approach for the Colts to focus on it.

So what does it take to unearth a quality return man?

I set out this week to address this from several angles, and I’m going to let some smart people with informative takes carry the day.

So without further ado…

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh has a big background in special teams.

What’s he want to see out of a prospective returner?

"Punt and kickoff return are completely different. In punt return, the bottom line is he’s got to be a natural catcher. So catching a punt is a unique thing. If they can’t catch, you can forget about it. Kick return is a little easier to catch, but some of these guys struggle to catch kicks. To me, a kick returner has to be a north-south runner. He’s got to have a burst of acceleration and/or power, and he’s got to have vision. It’s usually more of a running back-type guy who can read the hole and cut off blocks. Punt return is a guy that can catch the ball naturally, has great body control and he can do two things at once. He’s got to be able to catch the ball and feel the pressure around him. Make the guy miss, whether it’s make or miss with the body control to slip through there, or be able to change speed and change angles."

Does he need to see a college player do that or can he project it?

"It’s a good question. You’d rather see it because then you know. But if you don’t see it, you can project it. But you’ve got to go work the guy out and see if he can catch. So you can take a guy that maybe wasn’t a college punt returner, and maybe turn him into a pro punt returner. Maybe you find out that he has been catching punts every day but they didn’t put him back there because he was their primary receiver or whatever. It’s pretty rare to see a great pro punt returner who wasn’t a pretty good college punt returner."

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. says he wants to see courage and toughness in a return man:

"It’s funny. When looking/reading prospect reports on draft prospects this time of year, many scouts rightfully put something along the lines of, 'Also can contribute as a return man' as part of a young man's scouting report. That is all well and good, but like kickers and punters, is he one of the best 32 (or so) at this skill in the world? It is not for the faint of heart and while speed, elusiveness and vision are all paramount for either punt or kickoff returns, I think guts/fearlessness/toughness is maybe the most important. If you are going to keep a pure returner, he had better be outstanding-by NFL standards. Otherwise, he has to do something else. Be the fourth cornerback or wide receiver or be a core special teams player on coverage teams."

Keith Hawkins of ESPN Stats & Information took a look at some of the best returners in league history and some of the most productive guys in recent history to see if there were any commonalities:

"The one 'similarity' of the best returner historically (Brian Mitchell) and the best return man in 2009 (Joshua Cribbs) is that they were both college QBs.

"The other common denominator is that of the players below, only three were defensive backs in college: Darrien Gordon, Devin Hester, Deion Sanders.

"Another common denominator (with the exception of the 6-foot-1 Cribbs) is that they are all under six feet tall."

Finally, Kevin Weidl of Scouts Inc. was kind enough to run through the best return prospects in the draft:

Return Specialists

These guys will either be drafted or signed as free agents strictly for their return skills. Due to lack of size, they will need a creative offensive coordinator to contribute offensively at the next level.

Brandon Banks, Kansas State (5-7, 159) -- Banks is the top pure returner in this years’ class. He possesses a nice combination of vision, quickness, speed and elusiveness to consistently set offenses up with favorable field position.

Brandon James, Florida (5-6, 176) -- James possesses great vision to locate and the short-area burst to quickly get through first line of defense. He also displays a quick stop and start and is very reliable tracking and fielding punts. Questionable overall long speed to outrun defenders when they have favorable angle in pursuit.

Trindon Holliday, LSU (5-5, 172) -- World-class track speed, and has the ability to exploit even the slimmest of creases. He is shifty but lacks elite elusiveness to make defenders miss in confined areas.

Other prospects that bring added value as returners (sorted by position);

Running backs

C.J. Spiller, Clemson -- The most dynamic and versatile offensive weapon in this year’s class. Explosive short-area burst and elite top-end and long speed give him ability to rip off a big gain at any point in both phases of the return game.

Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss -- McCluster is pint sized (5-8) but shows great versatility and quickness to contribute as a change-of-pace back and wide receiver at the next level. Elite open-field capabilities make him dangerous as a punt returner.

Other RBs with returning experience: Joe McKnight, USC; Ben Tate, Auburn; Andre Dixon, UConn

Cornerbacks

Javier Arenas, Alabama -- Instinctive and tough football player who should step in and contribute immediately as a sub-package nickel back. Despite lack of elite top-end speed, Arenas is one of the more effective returners in this year’s class. I love his vision, balance and quick stop and start as a returner.

Kyle Wilson, Boise State -- Physical press corner who shows great anticipation and ball skills out on an island. Wilson brings added value as a reliable punt returner with good speed and open-field capabilities.

Devin McCourty, Rutgers -- Not many holes in McCourty as a cornerback. Easy change of direction, strong overall ball skills, plays bigger than size indicates and not afraid to get jersey dirty in run support. McCourty is one of the most versatile special teams prospect in this year's class, an effective kick returner and outstanding gunner with punt coverage.

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, IUP -- Possesses a nice combination of size, speed and ball skills teams covet as either a press corner or free safety at the next level. Owusu-Ansahis a strong open-field runner who has experience as both a kickoff and punt returner.

Other cornerbacks with returning experience: Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State; Syd’Quan Thompson, Cal; Walter Thurmond, Oregon; Dennis Rogan, Tennessee

Wide receivers

Golden Tate, Notre Dame -- Aggressive, savvy and sure-handed and should develop into at least a strong No. 3 WR at the next level. Reliable punt returner with good vision, balance and deceiving top-end speed.

Damian Williams, USC -- Smooth athlete and one of the most polished route runners in this year’s receiver class. Despite lack of top-end speed, Williams will consistently field punts cleanly and has enough elusiveness to pick up positive yardage.

Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati -- Instinctive and passionate playmaker on the field who should develop into a solid No. 3 WR. By no means a burner, but a difference-maker as a returner in both phases as he shows elite body control and never slows down out of cuts.

Jacoby Ford, Clemson -- World class track speed and should be a nice vertical threat at the next level. Elite top-end speed gives him ability to hit the home run at any point as both a kick and punt returner.

Antonio Brown, Central Michigan -- Quicker than fast, and should contribute working out of the slot at the next level. Brown brings added value as both a kick and punt returner with his open field capabilities and overall elusiveness.

Other receivers with returning experience: Jordan Shipley, Texas; Emmanuel Sanders, SMU; Andre Roberts, Citadel; David Reed, Utah

And a bonus link to a Pro Football Weekly story on the best special teamers in the draft, including three return specialists.

Final thoughts from me having taken all this in: Things always get twisted up with return guys. If the Colts or Titans draft a guy they intend to be a contributor as a cornerback or running back or receiver, there is a point at which they won't want to overload them with the extra job or expose them to injury on special teams. How long would we see Spiller or Wilson or McCourty or Tate be a special teamer? First-round receiver Kenny Britt returned kicks for the Titans late last season, but the team can't want him there much longer.

So I'd like to see both teams commit a pick to a return specialist, dedicating a roster spot to him.

Consistent fielding of punts and kicks was an issue for the Titans last year, and it's time for the team to actually have bigger expectations for its returner than an ability to fair catch. Ryan Mouton couldn't even do that reliably when things were at their worst.

The Colts have always seemed to figure they'd simply get the yards the return game doesn't provide from Peyton Manning and the offense. Their issues on special teams extend beyond the returners -- primarily T.J. Rushing on punts and Chad Simpson on kicks in 2009 -- and their blocking, and got magnified in the Super Bowl loss to New Orleans. But with offensive line and depth at corner and linebacker as the major needs in a draft where the Colts have eight picks, it appears a good time to try to add a dynamic piece.

After re-watching most of Super Bowl XLIV, I was left wondering whether the goats and gaffes beyond Peyton Manning's late interception got off a bit easy. So let’s revisit a couple:

Hank Baskett mangled the onside kick. He was wide to the side that Thomas Morstead sent the surprise second half kickoff to and took a giant step and a half back before realizing what was going on. Cody Glenn, who was beside him, and Ramon Humber, who was central, also reacted poorly. But Baskett’s the hands guy of that trio. He recovered and got a clean look at the kick before any Saints player arrived, sprawling forward and letting the ball bounce off his face mask. A horrific effort.

Another special-teams error came from Chad Simpson. The guy is not an explosive returner. If he’s not positive he’s getting to the 20 or beyond, he better take a touchback. So what is he doing at the end of the third quarter bringing out a kickoff from 4 yards deep when the best he could manage was the 11-yard line?

Reggie Wayne’s effort on two big passes seemed questionable. He and Manning can praise Tracy Porter endlessly, but Wayne seemed to give up on the route. He allowed Porter to gain position on a pattern analysts say he’s got to be sure continues and crosses the corner who’s in coverage. The move he made before he made his break didn’t look like much and the cut wasn’t very sharp. TV only showed it for a quick second, but Manning went to Wayne before walking off the field, head down, and said something to Wayne who kind of shook his head no and shrugged.

The Colts would have had to retrieve an onside kick and scored another touchdown, but Wayne also botched a TD catch near the end of the game. I asked him what happened there and he said he wasn’t in the end zone and was trying to ensure he had proper depth as he made the catch to make sure it was a score.

Maybe he was slow playing it, but Wayne seemed almost disinterested in his crossing route from wide to the left to between the hashes, and as the ball went through his hands, I didn’t think he was worrying about his depth, I thought he was worrying about Scott Shanle preparing to pop him.

Two other things of interest at this point in the game: On the first timeout, Manning signaled for it, then tried to change his mind. I was surprised by his indecision. And the third-down run call at 1:10 is just silly. The Colts couldn't afford the 21 seconds they lost when Joseph Addai was stuffed.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts were hazy leading up to the game about their kick return plan, but Chad Simpson will continue in the role against the Ravens tonight.

Sam Giguere returned kicks in the season finale against the Bills but is inactive against Baltimore. So Simpson’s the man when Billy Cundiff kicks off.

Also not dressing for the Colts:

Kicker Adam Vinatieri

Tight end Colin Cloherty

Defense John Gill

Tackle Michael Toudouze

Guard Mike Pollak

Defensive end Ervin Baldwin

Defensive tackle Fili Moala

The Colts sent out this note Saturday:

K-Matt Stover will handle the placekicking duties for the Indianapolis Colts. K-AdamVinatieri (right knee) will continue with rehabilitation and will remain on the active roster. Vinatieri will not travel to Buffalo and has been downgraded from Questionable to Out on the injury report. RB-Chad Simpson (concussion) and DT-Antonio Johnson (shoulder) will not travel to Buffalo and have been downgraded from Questionable to Out on the injury report.

The club has put TE-Tom Santi on injured reserved with a back injury and signed rookie TE-Colin Cloherty (#46, 6-2, 245, 22 years old, Brown University) off the practice squad.

Houston Texans

Gary Kubiak continues to praise Matt Schaub, says Dale Robertson.

Jerome Solomon visited Andre Johnson as he did some Christmas work.

The Rams took a day off because of the threat of swine flu, says John McClain.

Alan Burge is wondering about the Texans’ focus.

Indianapolis Colts

That was the Colts’ seventh fourth-quarter comeback, says Phil Richards.

It’s imperative the Colts take a shot at going undefeated, writes Bob Kravitz.

The Colts defense gave up plays and points, but delivered at the end, says Phillip B. Wilson.

Much maligned returner Chad Simpson scored on a big kickoff return, writes Tom Brew.

It was impressive and improbable, says John Oehser.

If they are playing, they aren’t saying, says Pete Prisco.

The Colts decided to work, says Karen Crouse.

What Vinnie Iyer learned.

Yet another come from behind win put the Colts in unfamiliar territory, says Sam Farmer.

The Colts should keep up the chase, says Jim Trotter.

Peyton Manning took a page from Dan Marino’s book, says Jason Cole.

Demond Sanders tracked the game as it played out.

No change meant similar results, says Larry Hawley.

Stampede Blue polls you about who gets the game ball.

Jacksonville Jaguars

David Garrard kept pace with Manning, until the very end, says Vito Stellino.

Maurice Jones-Drew found room and rhythm, says Michael DiRocco.

Garrard blinked in the shootout with the Colts, writes Gene Frenette.

Reggie Wayne woke up in time to sink the Jaguars again, says Garry Smits.

The Colts big kickoff return really hurt, says Stellino.

The man who shot Richard Collier got a life sentence.

Tennessee Titans

Jeff Fisher rated Vince Young’s practice participation “a huge step,” says Jim Wyatt.

Brian Orakpo is threatening Jevon Kearse’s rookie record for sacks, say Wyatt and Estwick.

David Thornton has an uncertain future, says Jim Wyatt.

Ricky Williams is powering the Dolphins, says Gary Estwick.

A couple Titans remember Chris Henry, says Terry McCormick.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- For three games, he’d dissolved into the background, an unnatural place for a playmaker of his ability.

Reggie Wayne knew his presence still dictated coverages, that a slice of what Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon and even Dallas Clark were doing was on his account. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning repeatedly said so as Wayne didn’t catch more than four balls, didn’t break a play longer than 23 yards and didn't have more than 48 yards receiving in a game.

On Thursday night against the Jaguars, he knew something else too -- he could find room down the sideline.

“Throughout the game they were kind of playing off and looking inside, looking at the quarterback,” Wayne said. “I just felt like there was a play somewhere in the game where I could just run by them if we could just control the safety with a route.”

When it arrived, Wayne ran past Derek Cox, saw Reggie Nelson occupied for a second by Collie and ran under a perfectly placed Manning pass for a 65-yard touchdown that provided the winning points with 5 minutes and 23 seconds left in a 35-31 win. In the unbeaten Colts’ 14th win of the season and 23rd in a row in the regular season, Wayne finished with five catches on seven balls aimed his direction for 132 yards and the score.

In front of their lone sellout of the season and in their first nationally televised game, the Jaguars (7-7) bucked an offensive trend with excellent red-zone production on offense. But the Jaguars needed to make sure they didn’t get burned with big plays, and they’d used up their allotment of one when Chad Simpson returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.

Cox, the rookie who’s a definite building block, and Nelson, the 2007 first-rounder who’s become largely unreliable, combined to allow for Wayne’s game-breaker. Cox didn’t try to knock Wayne off his route or his rhythm and couldn’t catch up to him as he ran by; Nelson’s angle was too sharp and his pursuit was fruitless.

“Manning just went to his playmaker, and he was in position to make a play,” Cox said. “We just didn’t execute properly... We wanted to eliminate the big play, any explosives. If you make them drive the length of the field, maybe the defense will hold up, maybe we’ll get an interception, cause a fumble.”

Long appreciated as a No. 1-caliber receiver, Wayne was on the same team as an all-time great until Marvin Harrison and the Colts divorced during the offseason.

At Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, his yards put him past legendary Baltimore Colts receiver Raymond Berry into second place on the franchise’s all-time receiving list with 9,339 yards.

It wins him the respect of his coach, his competition and his colleagues.

Jim Caldwell saluted him for passing Berry while Torry Holt, Manning and Collie also lavished praise.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Reggie Wayne and the way that he operates,” said Holt, the veteran the Jaguars brought in to help lead a young group. “I like the way he remains patient. Tonight he remained patient, he stayed in his routes, and Peyton was able to hit him with that long one. It’s just a tremendous amount of maturity on Reggie’s part, understanding how the game develops. He and Peyton there, it was something they saw that enabled him to get open.”

“His presence just dictates so much of what a defense is going to do, the way they defend us," said Manning, who passed for 308 yards and four TDs. "He wants to win. Like all great receivers, he wants the ball because he feels like that’s going to help our chances of winning, and he’s exactly right.”

Said Collie: “You look at tape and you can tell they know who the guy is, who the playmaker is. He’s done a great job of helping us out. …You’ve got to put your attention on that person, and between him and Dallas Clark, I think it does open up some stuff for me.”

Take away the biggie and Wayne would have had four catches for 67 yards, numbers I am sure the Jaguars would have been thrilled with.

Instead, Cox and Nelson will be answering in a film session for how it unfolded. And the Jaguars will wonder how a team that had a grip on the AFC’s final playoff berth goes about attempting to regain that hold.

The Colts are facing another, stronger round of questions about whether they will rest or play starters in their final two games against the Jets and Bills. If they pull key people early in those two, Wayne could be among the first to get the rest, again creating opportunity for Collie and Garcon. If that’s the case, it’ll hardly be like Week 14 in a home win over Denver, when he was barely a statistical factor in a game in which Brandon Marshall caught an NFL-record 21 passes.

Wayne joked after that he would have enjoyed just a couple of those receptions. Although there hadn't been huge production from Wayne recently, don't be fooled. He was being unselfish but still getting important results.

“It would be easy for him to be upset or pout, but he doesn’t,”’ Collie said. “And when a play is needed in crunch time, he’s the one who makes it. He’s done a wonderful job setting an example for us young guys as far as what a receiver should be.”

JACKSONVILLE -- Some thoughts at the half of a highly entertaining, back-and-forth Colts-Jaguars game that stands Indy 21, Jacksonville 17:

• Not Gary Brackett’s best half. He missed what should have been a fumble recovery that the Jaguars got back. Maurice Jones-Drew also ran him over on a touchdown.
• Chad Simpson got the Colts’ first kickoff return for a touchdown since 2004 against a team whose special teams coach, Russ Purnell, was a longtime Tony Dungy assistant and who Jim Caldwell let go.
• David Garrard made several good plays but he’s overthrown three open receivers -- Torry Holt, Marcedes Lewis and Holt again -- on potential big plays. The Lewis play was at the goal line and should have been picked by Kelvin Hayden.
• Dallas Clark’s great one-handed touchdown catch in Baltimore came with the assist of his helmet. His TD catch tonight, where he bobbled the ball on his back in the end zone, also got a helmet assist. This one may have been facemask.
• Jaguars rookie corner William Middleton tasted both sides of life -- he nailed Austin Collie for a loss, then got beat for a touchdown on consecutive plays.
• Matt Stover is at 2,001 career points after three PATs. He’s the fifth player in NFL history to get 2,000.
• Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have played very sparingly, only in major pass rush situations.

JACKSONVILLE -- The Colts return game is the one answer available when people ask for a weakness.

At least until Chad Simpson just took 13 seconds for a 93-yard touchdown return that put Indy ahead 14-10. It came right after the Jaguars had driven for a go-ahead David Garrard-to-Maurice Jones Drew 9-yard touchdown pass.

The NFL Network quickly told us it was the Colts’ first return for a touchdown since 2004, when Dominic Rhodes did it against San Diego.

When the Colts get a huge play like that, the successful clock-milking of their opponent becomes irrelevant in a hurry.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Addai

We won’t get the Colts injury report for awhile still, but Jim Caldwell said before practice Friday that if rookie running back Donald Brown (shoulder) is out, Joseph Addai can expect more carries against San Francisco Sunday.

“What we do with them is let Joe take as many of [the snaps] as he wants, and when he wants to come out of there, we relieve him at that time,” Caldwell said. “So, we’ll go through pretty much the same format, but I would anticipate that his load might be a bit heavier.”

Brown’s done better than Addai in terms of yardage this season -- averaging 4.6 yards a carry to Addai’s 3.3 but getting only about half as many carries.

The Colts are 27th in rushing offense in the NFL while the 49ers are sixth in rush defense.

Chad Simpson and Mike Hart are Indianapolis’ extra running backs.

Caldwell said playing time for Hart is “a possibility,” complimenting his work in practice and saying he’s ready.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Andy Benoit touches on the Jaguars, Titans and Peyton Manning in this blog post.

Houston Texans

• The Texans are aiming for consistency and continuity, says Dale Robertson.
• “With every starter and every coach returning, it's inexcusable that the offense hasn't been more consistent and more productive through four games,” writes John McClain.
• Running down the roster moves, with Alan Burge.
• A replay of McClain’s chat.

Indianapolis Colts

• Eric Foster is the latest defensive tackle to work as a fullback, says Phillip B. Wilson.
• John Oehser, premier Colts ranker, lists Manning’s top five seasons.
• The Colts cut Jordan Senn and re-signed Chad Simpson, says Aaron Wilson. Thanks to Oehser for the link.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Mark Woods went to the Jaguars game as a fan.
• A get-to-know-you capsule on Uche Nwaneri.
• A Jags-at-Seahawks capsule preview and five questions with Rashean Mathis, from Michael C. Wright.
• A look at Gene Smith, Dirk Koetter and the Jaguars’ rookies, from Collin Streetman.

Tennessee Titans

• Five things Jim Wyatt knows about the Titans.
• A look at some numbers that explain the Titans' struggles, from Terry McCormick.
• The Tennessean’s stock report.
• Quarterbacks across Tennessee are struggling, writes David Climer.
• The Titans haven’t won since the towel stomp, and we’ve got a picture of a fan with a bag over his head.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

INDIANAPOLIS -- Dwight Freeney is active for the Colts against the Seahawks, so he was on target with his talk about quick healing and being ready with a quad injury that was reported to cost him at least a couple of games.

Left cornerback Kelvin Hayden (hamstring) is out and will be replaced by Tim Jennings. Middle linebacker Gary Brackett (knee) is out and will be replaced by Freddy Keiaho.

Rookie Jerraud Powers will start at right cornerback for Marlin Jackson, who's been playing nickel.

And the team made one roster move, cutting running back returner Chad Simpson, who’s been dealing with an abdomen injury, and signing Mike Hart.

Here’s the whole list of inactives:

• Quarterback Curtis Painter (third QB)
• Receiver Anthony Gonzalez
• Safety Bob Sanders
• Hayden
• Brackett
• Guard Jamey Richard
• Tackle Tony Ugoh, who rested one day this week but not listed with an injury
• Defensive tackle Fili Moala

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

A quick trip around the division to consider some long shots who've looked good. Rosters get cut from 80 to 75 on Sept. 1, then to 53 on Sept. 5.


Houston

Free safety John Busing is a big hitter and a solid special teamer. Does he have enough upside at a questionable position for the Texans to keep him over a veteran like Nick Ferguson or Brandon Harrison, a fifth-rounder from 2007?

I also heard good things about defensive end Tim Jamison, who's got some likeable rush skills.

Two receivers have created a little bit of a buzz. And it wouldn't be a big surprise if Glenn Martinez or Darnell Jenkins make the team, especially if the Texans find another punt returner and decide they're done with Jacoby Jones.



Indianapolis

Cornerback Jacob Lacey has gotten his hands on a lot of balls and could prompt the Colts to keep him at the back end of their cornerback group. Might he stick ahead of Dante Hughes or prompt them to go heavy at the spot?

Linebacker Ramon Humbler has shown promise and can be a good special teamer.

The last receiver could be one of two relative unknowns. Both Brett McDermott and John Matthews are quiet and go unnoticed until the ball comes their way, then they catch it. Both are more quick than fast and they are roughly the same size at about 6-0, 200.

Chad Simpson and Lance Ball are likely going head to head for the final running back slot, but neither qualifies as a long shot.



Jacksonville

Word is that receiver Nate Hughes has moved beyond long shot and is early assured of a spot. He could rank as high as fourth now, and could make the team at the expense of one of the three draft picks. Or maybe that means Mike Thomas (groin) to IR?

Linebacker Russell Allen was the team's primary target among undrafteds and looks to have a great shot of making the roster.

Longer shots? Michael Desormeaux could oust Marlon McCree as a reserve safety or Pete Ittersagen could overtake Scott Starks as a reserve corner.



Tennessee

A deep roster with a draft class of 11 doesn't leave room for many street free agents or undrafted to emerge. So a late-round draft picks making it could qualify as a bit of an upset.

Cornerback Jason McCourty's been far better than Cary Williams and Dominique Edison looks to rank fourth at wide receiver right now.

With Leroy Harris heading back to a backup role as Kevin Mawae comes off PUP, Fernando Velasco's chance is probably gone.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Don Banks ranks backup quarterbacks.

Houston Texans

• What to make of preseason rip-offs, from the vantage point of Jerome Solomon.
• Expect a quarter and a half for the starters tonight against the Saints, writes John McClain.
• Ten reasons the Texans can make the playoffs, from Richard Justice.
• Former Hurricanes caught up during the Texans and Saints time together, says Jordan Godwin.
• Some game expectations from Alan Burge.

Indianapolis Colts

• Austin Collie's strong showing is making the case for him to be the No. 3 receiver, writes Phillip B. Wilson.
• The Colts are evaluating Chad Simpson (shoulder), Mike Hart (ankle) and Matt Giordano (groin) and has yet to determine if any would miss much time, says Wilson.
• A review of Jim Caldwell's game review, from John Oehser.
• Left tackle is a major concern, says Deshawn Zombie.
• A visit to the top preseason theme for the Colts: Preseason results don't mean a whole lot. Tom James' look at it.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• We've already posted the video, but here's Chris Mortensen's write up on the Jags.
• The Jaguars are looking to run it, knowing when they have done it well in the past they've won, says Michael C. Wright.
• Saturday night's game is not on TV in Jacksonville, says Jeff Elliott.
• Storylines to follow as the Jaguars play the Buccaneers, from Wright.
• The third preseason game is the one to look forward to, says Vic Ketchman.
• Don't expect any 2009 sellouts, says Michael David Smith. This picks up on something Vito Stellino wrote recently, saying the team had announced the whole season will be blacked out. He later explained via Twitter that because Wayne Weaver said it, he considered it "announced."

Tennessee Titans

• The Titans were bad on offense and defense as Dallas' first guests in the new stadium, says Jim Wyatt.
• Kevin Vickerson and Tony Brown got fined for plays in the game against Tampa Bay, reports Wyatt.
• Wyatt's look at Javon Ringer before his nice night against the Cowboys.
• Chuck Cecil isn't what you might think, says Pete Prisco.
• The video board issue from Friday night's game prompted this Kuharsky-Matt Mosley collaboration.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Houston Texans

• The Battle Red Blog has a good feeling about running back Jeremiah Johnson.

Indianapolis Colts

• Running through the Colts' running backs with John Oehser.
• And a more specific breakdown of Chad Simpson, from Oehser.
• Larry Tripplett and Mike Doss could be UFL teammates, says John Oehser.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Better peer leadership is one of the reasons the Jaguars are optimistic, says Vito Stellino.
• Gene Frenette provides some rules to ensure the Jaguars have a quiet summer.

Tennessee Titans

• Patrick Ramsey says he's competing for the backup quarterback job, says Terry McCormick.
• The Titans' offensive line is expected to pick up where it left off, writes McCormick.
• William Hayes is aiming for double digit sacks in his second season, says Gary Estwick.
• Last year it was a big deal that Jevon Kearse was with the Titans for the bulk of their offseason conditioning. Now he has scaled it back as he tries to get his knee right, says Estwick.
• Joe Biddle chimes in on Vince Young.