Keys to Training Camp: AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Link: http://www.buffalobills.com
Location: Alamodome (San Antonio, TX)
Dates: July 26 - August 22
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Will RB Marshawn Lynch replace Willis McGahee? - The Bills traded Willis McGahee to Baltimore and then used their 1st round pick on Cal's Marshawn Lynch. The coaches have left the door open for a committee approach (using Lynch, fellow rookie Wright and veteran Anthony Thomas) but Lynch was drafted to be the workhorse.

Assimilating the new offensive line additions - The Bills made the offensive line a priority this offseason and acquired Derrick Dockery and Langston Walker in free agency. Can their additions stabilize a line that struggled with inconsistency last season?

TE Battle Royale: Everett vs. Royal vs. Neufeld - Kevin Everett was impressive in minicamps and OTAs, but Robert Royal is the proven veteran. Will either make a difference in fantasy leagues, or will H-Back Ryan Neufeld be the surprise weapon in the passing game?

(IDP) Will Darwin Walker play in Buffalo? - The Eagles traded Darwin Walker to Buffalo for Takeo Spikes, but Walker has refused to report without a long-term contract extension. The Bills have rebuffed his demands, and may send him back to Philadelphia in exchange for a draft choice.

(IDP) CB Battle Royale: Youboty vs. Thomas vs. Webster - Terrence McGee will start on one side, but Ashton Youboty, Kiwaukee Thomas and Jason Webster have the daunting task of replacing Nate Clements.

Link: http://www.miamidolphins.com
Location: University of Albany (Albany, NY)
Dates: July 27 - August 19
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Implementing the Cam Cameron Offense - New head coach Cam Cameron is initiating wholesale changes on the offensive side of the ball, and will be laying the groundwork for his dynamic offensive system that was so successful in San Diego.

Getting QB Trent Green ready, while not ignoring John Beck - Trent Green is going to start this year, but he's not the long term answer. The team needs to spend time getting Green comfortable but must also give reps to Cleo Lemon and John Beck as the team builds toward 2008 and beyond.

Is RB Ronnie Brown in shape and committed to greatness? - Ronnie Brown showed up to minicamps out of shape and must bounce back with a strong camp. The Dolphins desperately need Brown to play like the top-5 pick he is, and Cameron understands how to build an NFL offense around a dynamic runner.

Stabilizing the offense line - The Dolphins offensive line has been, offensive, for lack of a better word. Roles aren't clearly defined, and the coaches will be looking at a multitude of possibilities in the early days of camp. Will Vernon Carey lock down the LT spot? Can L.J. Shelton play well at RT, shedding his image as a bust? Is rookie Samson Satele ready to start at center and call the line plays? Will rookie Drew Mormino beat out Chris Liwienski at left guard?

Is TE David Martin worthy of starting for an NFL team? - The Dolphins parted ways with Randy McMichael and signed David Martin to start in his place. But Martin has been a career backup and isn't considered a dominant two-way player.

(IDP) Is LB Joey Porter still a difference maker? - Joey Porter was jettisoned by Pittsburgh and quickly landed a big new contract in Miami. The team wants Porter to provide a pass rush opposite Jason Taylor while also teaching young LB Channing Crowder in the process.

Link: http://www.patriots.com
Location: Gillette Stadium( Foxborough, MA)
Dates: July 27 - August 12
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Testing RB Laurence Maroney's shoulder - With Corey Dillon out of the picture, Laurence Maroney must emerge as the Patriots' workhorse. Unfortunately, Maroney had shoulder surgery in the offseason and has yet to test it in full contact drills. He and the coaches are saying the right things, but if Maroney can't demonstrate his healthy in camp, it's time to reconsider his status as a top-10 fantasy prospect.

Acclimating QB Tom Brady to his new offensive weapons - Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, Kelley Washington, Kyle Brady. Each represents a significant addition to the Patriots offense, and each must find his role among arguably the deepest offensive unit in the AFC.

Establishing the WR depth chart - In addition to Moss, Welker, Stallworth and Washington, the Patriots have returning veterans Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown. It's very unlikely all six will make the final roster, and even more unlikely they will all play roles in the base offense. Moss seems a mortal lock to lead the new WR corps, but will the reliable Welker play second fiddle or perhaps the speedy yet oft-injured Donte Stallworth will lock down the WR2 role.

Is TE Kyle Brady just a blocker? - Most people consider Kyle Brady's role to be that of a 6th offensive lineman. While he certainly will be a critical component to the team's blocking scheme, if OTAs were any indication, he's going to see his fair share of targets, too.

(IDP) Will Asante Samuel report to camp? - Asante Samuel has refused to sign his one-year franchise tender, and may decide to hold out in hopes of landing a long-term contract. If Samuel doesn't report to camp, the Patriots are left with a lot of question marks in the defensive backfield.

(IDP) Will LB Adalius Thomas be enough? - The Patriots landed the best defensive player in free agent, and AD will upgrade the team's linebacking corps without question. However, the rest of the projected starters are aging and there aren't a lot of options on the roster if Junior Seau, Roosevelt Colvin, Mike Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi aren't up to the task.

Link: http://www.newyorkjets.com
Location: Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY)
Dates: July 27 - August 10
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Acclimating RB Thomas Jones - Thomas Jones is expected to step in an stabilize the team's ground game. It's critical that he master the playbook and built a rapport with his teammates because a slow start simply isn't in the cards for ravenous Jets fans.

Is there room on the team for RB Curtis Martin? - Curtis Martin was surprisingly activated from the PUP list in July, leaving some to wonder if he's going to attempt a comeback. With Thomas Jones acquired this offseason and Leon Washington a solid fit at RB2, is there room for Martin to earn a spot, possibly at the expense of Cedric Houston?

Monitoring QB Kellen Clemens - Last year pundits were declaring Kellen Clemens a possible midseason replacement for Chad Pennington. But Chad answered his critics and played all 16 games for the first time in his career. Will the coaching staff give Clemens a chance to win a large role this year? Remember, a season ago no one gave Tony Romo a chance, and look what ended up happening.

Is Pete Kendall going to be a Jet? - OG Pete Kendall is unhappy with his contract status and has told anyone who cared to listen. He's asked for a trade repeatedly, although there is no indication the Jets plan on accommodating him. Will Kendall, a key member of the team's emerging offensive line, settle down and play nice?

(IDP) DE Kenyon Coleman vs. Kimo von Oelhoffen - Veteran von Oelhoffen is tough and hard working, but doesn't make plays. The team hopes Kenyon Coleman, acquired from Dallas, will displace Kimo in camp.

(IDP) CB Battle Royale: Dyson vs. Poteat vs. Revis vs. Miller vs. Barrett - No role is set in stone, nor are most players' roster spots. Rookie Darrelle Revis could win a starting job, as could 3rd year Justin Miller. That could mean the end of David Barrett; could it also mean the end for Andre Dyson?