BUFFALO BILLS

Training-camp site: St. John Fisher College, Pittsford, N.Y.

Training-camp report date: July 25.

Key veteran arrivals: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, CB Drayton Florence, C Geoff Hangartner, WR Terrell Owens, RB Dominic Rhodes, LB Pat Thomas.

Key veteran departures: LB Angelo Crowell, OG Derrick Dockery, C Melvin Fowler, QB J.P. Losman, OT Jason Peters, C-OG Duke Preston, TE Robert Royal.

Drafted rookies: (1) DE Aaron Maybin, OG Eric Wood; (2) S Jairus Byrd, OG Andy Levitre; (4) TE Shawn Nelson; (5) LB Nic Harris; (6) CB Cary Harris; (7) CB Ellis Lankster.

Offensive overview: An offense that has been criticized for its predictability and lack of ingenuity looks to spring to life with a faster pace. Second-year coordinator Turk Schonert, a former quarterback and QB coach, was hard at work implementing a no-huddle scheme in the spring, which at the very least should provide the Bills with more offensive snaps. The arrival of superstar WR Terrell Owens gives proven hope to the vertical passing game, as the WR corps is now among the deepest and most talented units on the team. All could be for naught, however, if a reshuffled line featuring new starters at all five spots doesn't jell quickly. Additionally, second-string RB Fred Jackson needs to prepare for a larger workload, especially in the first three weeks as Marshawn Lynch sits out with a suspension.

Defensive overview: The secondary returns as a decided strength, as CBs Leodis McKelvin and Reggie Corner surge into Year Two after having enjoyed inspiring rookie campaigns. Their improvements combine with existing veteran talent and promising newcomers - among them veteran CB Drayton Florence and rookie S Jairus Byrd - to give coordinator Perry Fewell ample options in his sub packages. Such flexibility will be needed if the Bills can't muster a better pass rush. As much raw ability as touted rookie DE Aaron Maybin boasts, the consensus is that he needs much seasoning and physical maturation, and that a more creative blitz package may need to be unveiled for tangible improvements to be realized. The Bills favor speed and athleticism over size in their LB corps, and emerging third-year MLB Paul Posluszny has the overall skill package to become one of the AFC's top middle men.

Battle to watch: The battle at both OG spots will last well into the preseason and possibly into the regular season as impressive rookies Eric Wood and Andy Levitre vie for starting honors with veterans Seth McKinney and Kirk Chambers.

Injury update: WR James Hardy (knee) and LB John DiGiorgio (knee) could be placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list at the start of training camp.

Fantasy sleeper: Even though rookie TE Shawn Nelson isn't in contention for the starting job, he's the premier fantasy TE prospect the Bills boast. He's been practicing extensively at wide receiver, and there's hope that he can post WR-like numbers while being officially labeled as a tight end.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Training-camp site: Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Fla.

Training-camp report date: Aug. 1.

Key veteran arrivals: CB Eric Green, C Jake Grove, LB Jason Taylor, LB Cameron Wake, S Gibril Wilson.

Key veteran departures: CB André Goodman, S Renaldo Hill, DE Vonnie Holliday, C Samson Satele.

Drafted rookies: (1) CB Vontae Davis; (2) QB Pat White, CB Sean Smith; (3) WR Patrick Turner; (4) WR Brian Hartline; (5) TE John Nalbone, S Chris Clemons; (6) OT Andrew Gardner; (7) LB J.D. Folsom.

Offensive overview: For as much as the single-back "Wildcat" alignment, which originated in Miami and took the league by storm a season ago, prospered, it's merely one gadget in coordinator Dan Henning's extensive playbook. Chad Pennington remains the triggerman after his Comeback Player of the Year campaign and gets the luxury of operating behind a line that should be better with incoming C Jake Grove and a year of experience under OLT Jake Long's belt. The pecking order out wide bears much intrigue, as a boatload of youthful bodies are itching to prove their worth, even though it's a stretch to say any has star potential. The rumors regarding Ronnie Brown being on the trading block appear to be overblown. He and Ricky Williams constitute a strong backfield, and little-known Patrick Cobbs has the receiving skills to warrant more opportunities.

Defensive overview: There are question marks throughout the defense, but that's not necessarily a bad thing with the talent being in an abundance equal to the uncertainty. Atop the list of questions is how well OLB Jason Taylor will fare in his return to Miami after a one-year dalliance with the Redskins. Seeing as how Joey Porter was the only consistent presence in opponents' backfields a season ago, Taylor's ability to revert to his QB-terrorizing ways could play a central role in the defensive outlook. Additionally, more will be asked out of DEs Kendall Langford and Phillip Merling in their second seasons, with the Fins' lack of a true nose tackle necessitating greater contributions from the rest of the line. The secondary should reap the benefits from the arrival of Gibril Wilson, who, along with Yeremiah Bell, gives Miami what could be the league's most intimidating safety tandem. Less heralded rookie CB Sean Smith has the edge on first-rounder Vontae Davis in making an early dent.

Battle to watch: A revelatory as Sean Smith was in the spring, the battle for the CB spot opposite entrenched starter Will Allen will be closely monitored in training camp. Vontae Davis is the more impressive athlete, but veteran newcomer Eric Green has the edge in experience on him and Smith after coming over from NFC champion Arizona.

Injury update: OG Donald Thomas tore his pectoral muscle in the spring, which sets him back in his bid for a starting job. OG Justin Smiley (leg) should be fine. WR Greg Camarillo has rebounded nicely from his torn ACL and should be close to full speed for training camp. TE David Martin (hernia) is on the mend.

Fantasy sleeper: The Dolphins are desperate for a red-zone presence out wide, which is partially the reason they selected supersized WR Patrick Turner in Round Three. No stranger to jaunts into the endzone from his days at USC, Turner could post some impressive TD totals to mitigate his likely pedestrian yardage numbers.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Training-camp site: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.

Training-camp report dates: Rookies, July 26; Veterans, July 29.

Key veteran arrivals: TE Chris Baker, LB Tully Banta-Cain, CB Leigh Bodden, WR Joey Galloway, LS Nathan Hodel, C-OG Al Johnson, LB Paris Lenon, WR Greg Lewis, S Brandon McGowan, TE Alex Smith, CB Shawn Springs, RB Fred Taylor.

Key veteran departures: QB Matt Cassel, FB Heath Evans, WR Jabar Gaffney, S Rodney Harrison, CB Ellis Hobbs, RB LaMont Jordan, LB Mike Vrabel.

Drafted rookies: (2) S Patrick Chung, DT Ron Brace, CB Darius Butler, OT Sebastian Vollmer; (3) WR Brandon Tate, LB Tyrone McKenzie; (4) OG Rich Ohrnberger; (5) OT George Bussey; (6) LS Jake Ingram, DT Myron Pryor; (7) WR Julian Edelman, DT Darryl Richard.

Offensive overview: Have you heard? Tom Brady is back! Of course you had, seeing as how the entire football-watching universe has been deluged with updates on his progress. In short, he operated largely unencumbered in the spring in his first action since tearing knee ligaments in Week One. That is tremendous news for the rest of the offense, where intrigue continues to abound independent of No. 12. Tops on the list is how new QB coach Bill O'Brien will fare as the de facto coordinator. He knows the personnel, but 2009 will serve as more of an apprenticeship under Bill Belichick before being given the keys in 2010. Joey Galloway looks to have an edge on Greg Lewis for the No. 3 WR gig, whereas a three-headed battle at tight end and a four-pronged RB competition takes form in training camp.

Defensive overview: Even though the Patriots don't appear to be caving into Vince Wilfork's demands for a new contract — he's set to become a free agent after the season — he's being counted on to hold down the fort. He and D-line cohorts Ty Warren and Richard Seymour comprise the league's premier "30" front, and they'll be asked to play like it as the LB corps and secondary assert their identities. Second-year sensation Jerod Mayo returns to the ILB post where he won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2008, yet his ILB running mate looks to be a platoon of fellow second-year pro Gary Guyton, aging Tedy Bruschi and ex-Lion Paris Lenon, all of whom carry questions. The CB corps, meanwhile, is more talented with the additions of Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs, but how quickly they adjust to the scheme and personnel could be a determining factor in the defensive success.

Battle to watch: Of the numerous candidate positions, running back figures to see the most heated competition. Even though all could see some role, the featured job could conceivably go to any one of Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor or Laurence Maroney. Ironically, the only member with somewhat of a defined position, Kevin Faulk as the third-down rushing/receiving threat, is the only one not in legit contention to be atop the depth chart.

Injury update: Tom Brady (knee) appears to be at full strength. Rookie WR Brandon Tate (knee) should be slowed into the season, and rookie LB Tyrone McKenzie (knee) should miss the entire season.

Fantasy sleeper: Joey Galloway still has speed to burn, and the amount of action he's likely to see in the Patriots' spread allows for him to post better numbers than he would accrue in nearly any other location. Randy Moss and Wes Welker are testament to the fact that Tom Brady can develop good rapports with his new receivers in a hurry.

NEW YORK JETS

Training-camp site: SUNY Cortland, Cortland, N.Y.

Training-camp report dates: Rookies, July 27; Veterans, July 30.

Key veteran arrivals: S Jim Leonhard, LB Bart Scott, CB Lito Sheppard, CB Donald Strickland.

Key veteran departures: TE Chris Baker, LB Eric Barton, DE Kenyon Coleman, WR Laveranues Coles, S Abram Elam, QB Brett Favre, QB Brett Ratliff.

Drafted rookies: (1) QB Mark Sanchez; (3) RB Shonn Greene; (6) OG Matt Slauson.

Offensive overview: Even though a legitimate battle between Kellen Clemens and Mark Sanchez will be staged, all eyes will feast upon the hotshot rookie with the golden arm and million-dollar smile. Sanchez certainly has the goods to become 2009's Matt Ryan, but winning the job is only Step One. It'll then be time for him to make an obscure group of pass catchers a bit more known, as David Clowney and Chansi Stuckey seek to become top-tier targets alongside Jerricho Cotchery. Additionally, contractually bummed RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are holdout candidates, which would only stunt the maturation this offense so badly needs.

Defensive overview: Schematic mastermind Rex Ryan is, in fact, better-known for his brilliance directing the Ravens' defense than his unfiltered comments at the podium since being tabbed as Jets head coach. And in New York, he has a golden opportunity to put his plan to use, as the boatload of elite talent in New York had underachieved during Eric Mangini's forgettable tenure. Baltimore tagalongs Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard will mesh with headlining holdovers Kris Jenkins, Darrelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes to comprise the nucleus of what could be a devastating unit. On the other hand, a four-game suspension to OLB Calvin Pace for a banned-substance violation puts the onus on Vernon Gholston to quickly atone for a disturbingly downtrodden rookie campaign.

Battle to watch: The jockeying between Clemens and Sanchez might be more scrutinized than any other positional battle in the NFL. You won't hear them admit as much, but the club hopes Sanchez outplays Clemens in camp; Sanchez didn't do that in the spring. If Clemens clearly holds an edge on Sanchez throughout the preseason, Ryan will have to reluctantly go with the steadier hand, not the flashier name.

Injury update: The Jets have no pressing injuries to deal with.

Fantasy sleeper: Depending on how the RB situation with Jones and Washington unfolds, rookie Shonn Greene could be in line for a healthy workload. It's not out of the question that Jones gets traded, which would only open up more opportunities for the burly back out of Iowa, especially near the goal line.

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.