Minnesota Vikings SS Jamarca Sanford and FS Mistral Raymond combined for zero interceptions from the second safety spot last season. CB Robert Blanton is a second-year player who plans to push the duo for a starting role, adding that he can be a ball hawk. ‘It’s definitely a strength of mine to have good eyes, see things well out there,’ Blanton said. ‘I’m not far off at all (from starting).’
Vikings | Looking for improvement at safety

The Baltimore Ravens are quietly monitoring the situation with free-agent FB Vonta Leach (Ravens). The Miami Dolphins are considered the frontrunners, with the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans are also in contention. The Ravens reportedly offered Leach a contract worth $2 million and loaded with incentives. However, those close to Leach do not believe those incentives were realistic for him to reach.
Ravens | Monitoring Vonta Leach situation

Baltimore Ravens CB Moe Lee and LB Adrian Hamilton were reportedly standouts during the team’s mandatory minicamp, and they are viewed as two sleepers to watch on the defensive side of the ball.
Ravens | Two sleepers emerge on defense

Baltimore Ravens LB Daryl Smith (hernia) might have flown under the radar at the last minicamp, but the team was happy with the way he performed. He was limited to nine games and six tackles with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season due to a sports hernia, but he is healthy now, but it remains to be seen if he can help them this season.
Ravens | Happy with Daryl Smith

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said he immediately noticed the work ethic of DL Osi Umenyiora. He felt Umenyiora has quickly become a leader with the team because of his experience and hard work. ‘It’s my job to help them,’ Umenyiora said. ‘I don’t have too much longer. It’s unlikely I’ll play another 10 years. All I can do is give them all the knowledge that I have now and try to make them better. They’re my younger brothers.’
Falcons | Osi Umenyiora emerges as mentor

Atlanta Falcons DL Kroy Biermann played all over the field for the team last season, and he anticipates more of the same in the upcoming year under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.
Falcons | Kroy Biermann expected to move around

Atlanta Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers is uncertain how the carries will be split following the offseason addition of RB Steven Jackson. Last season, free-agent RB Michael Turner (Falcons) handled 66.4 percent of the carries by the team’s RBs (222 of 334 carries). Rodgers had 28.4 percent (94 carries), with RB Jason Snelling handling 5.2 percent (18 carries).
Falcons | Jacquizz Rodgers unsure about role

Denver Broncos LB Shaun Phillips turned down what he said was more money elsewhere to sign a one-year deal with the team. ‘That’s why I came here, to be in this situation, to be with a team that is right there in the mix,’ Phillips said.
Broncos | Shaun Phillips accepted less money

Denver Broncos LB Von Miller said he plans to return to the team’s headquarters in early July to work out, and he expects many of his teammates to join him. ‘It’s just a choice. It’s all part of trying to be the best linebacker I can be and making plays for the defense,’ Miller said.
Broncos | Von Miller to report early