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AROUND THE FIELD IN BUFFALO
Quarterback: J.P. Losman will need to build on last season, when he finally showed why Buffalo traded up to take him in the first round in 2004. He hit 62.5% of his passes in 2006 compared to 49.6% the year before and took much better care of the ball. He can't afford to revert to being an overly aggressive gunslinger.
Running back: While Willis McGahee was largely disappointing, trading him left a void. First-rounder Marshawn Lynch and fourth-rounder Dwayne Wright will be pushed to grow up in a hurry. There are questions about Lynch's ability to carry a full load. He may not have to if Wright, a bruising inside runner, develops into a solid complementary back.
Wide receiver: Lee Evans lacks one thing: wingmen good enough to take heat off of him. But Evans is about as good as it gets at his position and brings great character to a locker room in need of leadership. The coaching staff will try to help Evans using four- and five-receiver sets. The opportunity is there for Peerless Price, Roscoe Parrish and Josh Reed to step up.
Tight end: Robert Royal produced career-highs with 23 receptions for 233 yards. More is needed, and the six-year veteran is not likely to provide it.
Offensive line: If there is a good place to invest in free agents, this is it, and that is exactly what Buffalo did. Left guard Derrick Dockery was given the largest contract in franchise history, a seven-year, $49 million deal with $18 million guaranteed. Right tackle Langston Walker and Jason Whittle are two other significant signings who join left tackle Jason Peters, a rising star.
Defensive line: So much depends on whether tackle John McCargo can recover from foot surgery. This is the same foot that forced him to miss time at N.C. State, so alarms are sounding. If McCargo is healthy, he can make a difference for a poor run defense. End Aaron Schobel enjoyed his first Pro Bowl. It won't be his last.
Linebacker: With London Fletcher signing in Washington and Takeo Spikes dealt to Philadelphia, much will be asked of rookie Paul Posluszny. His standing as the all-time leading tackler at Penn State — Linebacker U — suggests he'll deliver in time. He'll be flanked by promising Angelo Crowell and Keith Ellison.
Secondary: Offenses will be relentless in attacking this suspect unit after Nate Clements left for San Francisco. Terrence McGee is ordinary at one cornerback. Veteran Jason Webster was added, but he hasn't been able to remain healthy in recent years. Ashton Youboty, a third-round pick last year, needs to turn potential into production and could push Webster and Kiwaukee Thomas. The second-year safety tandem of Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson could be exceptional.
Special teams: Kicker Rian Lindell comes off a near-perfect effort in which he nailed 23 of 25 field goals. His 92% success rate represented the most accurate season in team history. Punter Brian Moorman, whose 39.2 net average was second in the NFL, is seeking a third consecutive Pro Bowl berth. McGee and Parrish are dangerous kick returners.
Coaching staff: Dick Jauron still has much to prove. While he finished 35-45 in five seasons in Chicago, his tenure was highlighted by a 13-3 mark in 2001 that brought him Coach of the Year honors. It remains to be seen how a young roster will respond to his relatively easygoing approach.
Outlook: Given the substantial offseason gains made by the division rival New England Patriots and New York Jets, it is hard to imagine Buffalo improving on last year's 7-9 ledger.
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