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by Jim Thomas
There is growing optimism rookie DE Anthony Hargrove can contribute--perhaps significantly--as a situational pass rusher. Hargrove combines decent size (6-4, 274) with strength and quickness. He uses his hands well and shows the ability to set up blockers with his moves. Hargrove is especially proficient with an inside move. He needs to work on keeping his feet and maintaining balance.
Needing to bolster its safety depth, the team signed Justin Lucas, who knows new coordinator Larry Marmie's system from their years with the Cardinals. Lucas could be inserted when the team moves FS Aeneas Williams into a corner slot role on passing downs.
Re-signing backup TE Cam Cleeland gives the offense another option in the red zone. Cleeland caught only 10 passes in 2003 but is a big target with good hands.
GUARDS/CENTERS ANALYSIS
RG Adam Timmerman, LG Andy McCollum and C Dave Wohlabaugh comprise one of the NFL's most experienced interior lines. Timmerman has quick hands and moves well. Wohlabaugh was hampered by hand and hip injuries in 2003. He's savvy and moves well but is light (295 pounds). McCollum struggled moving from center to guard in '03 but should be better this season. Young Gs Andy King and Scott Tercero and unproven C Andy Eby will be the backups. King also can play tackle. McCollum could move back to center if something happens to Wohlabaugh, even if Eby makes the team.
There is growing optimism rookie DE Anthony Hargrove can contribute--perhaps significantly--as a situational pass rusher. Hargrove combines decent size (6-4, 274) with strength and quickness. He uses his hands well and shows the ability to set up blockers with his moves. Hargrove is especially proficient with an inside move. He needs to work on keeping his feet and maintaining balance.
Needing to bolster its safety depth, the team signed Justin Lucas, who knows new coordinator Larry Marmie's system from their years with the Cardinals. Lucas could be inserted when the team moves FS Aeneas Williams into a corner slot role on passing downs.
Re-signing backup TE Cam Cleeland gives the offense another option in the red zone. Cleeland caught only 10 passes in 2003 but is a big target with good hands.
GUARDS/CENTERS ANALYSIS
RG Adam Timmerman, LG Andy McCollum and C Dave Wohlabaugh comprise one of the NFL's most experienced interior lines. Timmerman has quick hands and moves well. Wohlabaugh was hampered by hand and hip injuries in 2003. He's savvy and moves well but is light (295 pounds). McCollum struggled moving from center to guard in '03 but should be better this season. Young Gs Andy King and Scott Tercero and unproven C Andy Eby will be the backups. King also can play tackle. McCollum could move back to center if something happens to Wohlabaugh, even if Eby makes the team.
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