July 20, 2008

 The Steelers are expected to give WR Santonio Holmes a look as a punt returner, the way we hear it. Rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall and veteran Mewelde Moore will be in the mix to return kickoffs, with second-year RB Gary Russell another potential option if the Steelers want to employ a bigger returner the way they occasionally did with the departed Najeh Davenport. Pittsburgh will have a new look at those positions after releasing RS Allen Rossum in the offseason.

 The way we hear it, Ravens rookie LB Tavares Gooden could play a major role on special teams in his first season as he learns the defense. Gooden has exceptional speed for the position, and he could be an asset on kick and punt coverage. In the long term, Gooden will compete for a starting spot at inside linebacker; both of Baltimore’s starters (Ray Lewis and Bart Scott) are expected to enter free agency after the season.

 Word from Pittsburgh is that the Steelers have been pleased with the development of reserve DE Ryan McBean, who played in only one game as a rookie and missed spring workouts with a foot injury. If he can return to health, there’s hope he can provide capable help off the bench in his second NFL season.

 One of the most interesting roster decisions the Browns will have to make, the way we hear it, is whether to keep three tight ends and two fullbacks or four tight ends and just one fullback, starter Lawrence Vickers.