Bills make first round pick compete for playing time.

BARBER TO BE THREE-DOWN BACK?
Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News, Dallas running back Marion Barber will be the every-down back, but they don't want to burn him out with 300-plus carries this season. Felix Jones looked fluid coming out of the backfield catching passes in off-season camps. It helps that the running game has similar terminology to what he had at Arkansas. He needs to show he can be more than just a speed threat. Julius Jones had about 12 touches per game in 2007. The Cowboys would want Felix Jones to have about 10 to 12 this season.

Mandel's Take: Although 300 touches would easily be a career high for Barber, this sounds like the best possible mix. Of course, it has to actually play out this way for it to be effective and as we all know, the best laid plans oft go astray. I know they're paying Barber starting money, but increasing his carries may make him a bit tired come December. Perhaps that's just a Giant fan's wishful thinking...If this plan plays out as the Cowboys have planned, their running game will be more potent than in previous seasons. Not good for the rest of the NFC East. Rev, break it down--is this going to make Dallas better?

Mancini's Take: I don't understand this line of thinking. I mean, they want MBIII to be an every-down back--which I think he's perfectly capable of--but they don't want him to touch the ball 300 times. Which one is it? Keeping him at 20 carries a game--which I think is totally reasonable--will put him over the feared 300-carry threshhold. It's kind of like baseball managers taking out their starting pitchers after they've reached 110 pitches. Who makes up these limits? This power back is young and healthy enough to withstand 300 plus carries. Use your weapons, don't hide them. Barber has the goods to break tackles and outrun defenders, and shouldn't be treated like Fred Taylor. It's too early for that. You know what's going to make Dallas better, Ross man? Giving the rock to Barber 20 times per game.

CHRIS HENRY UPDATE
Former Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry's legal issues are behind him - for now - and he could possibly be reinstated. According to Henry and his agent Marvin Frazier, a return to the Bengals is a possibility. "We have interest in several teams, including Cincinnati," Frazier said. Frazier says it's still early in the process, but the Bengals have shown preliminary interest in Henry since his assault charge was dropped. Henry says he wouldn't hold any grudges against the organization that drafted him in 2005. In fact, he would welcome a return to the Bengals with open arms. "Going back to the Bengals is possible,'' Henry said. "I wouldn't mind it happening because I loved playing in Cincinnati. I got real close with all the guys out there and I planned on being out there for a long time. I really had a good time playing ball out there in Ohio."

Mandel's Take: Normally I'd give Henry the benefit of the doubt, but when he starts saying that HE is not holding any grudges against the Bengals after all he's done...it just shows he still doesn't get it. This charge was tossed, but shouldn't it matter to the Bengals that a guy who's had numerous encounters with the law was even in a situation where he had to punch someone in the face? When you're on thin ice, it's probably best to avoid trouble. But some guys are magnets. Rev--tell me that Cincy isn't going to take him back.

Mancini's Take: A winning franchise wouldn't take him back, Ross, but with Cincy, you never know. How noble of Henry not to hold any grudges after getting arrested countless times for a number of despicable acts, and getting himself suspended for half the season last year. I love the fact that he's looking forward to getting back and ballin' with his homeys. This fool should be resuspended for his incredible stupidity. Henry should be on his knees and pleading for another chance instead of saying that he "wouldn't mind" going back to the Bengals and making millions for running on grass and catching balls. I know there's a clueless team out there willing to bring in this loser, but at least show some humility and acknowledge your bad behavior. I'm so done with this guy, but I have a feeling I'll be writing quite a bit about him in the coming months. Sigh.

WARREN EXPECTED TO START
Gerard Warren is expected to be the Raiders' starting defensive tackle next to Tommy Kelly this season.

Mandel's Take: Oakland's run defense is therefore expected to stink up the joint...again. Hey Mr. Davis--address your needs!

Mancini's Take: From one loser to another. The next time Gerard Warren puts his heart and soul into playing defense will be the first time, and yes therein lies the reason that the Raiders will continue being a loser franchise. If I'm Larry Johnson or LT (sorry Ross, Tomlimson is the new LT--get with the times!), I'm just salivating at the thought of running against a Raider run defense led by the legendary Gerard Warren. Ha!

GREER SAYS NOT SO FAST
Although many outsiders assume that because Leodis McKelvin was taken with the 11th pick that he'll waltz into the starting lineup over Greer as a rookie, Bills defensive coordinator also likes what he has in Greer and says not so fast. "It's not like a hands down situation like Leodis is going to be the guy," Fewell told the Bills' official site. "I think he's (Greer's) had an outstanding OTA session, I think it's made him compete even more."

Mandel's Take: There's nothing wrong with the Bills starting McKelvin out as a fifth DB. Let him get his feet wet. He should take over the starting job before the season is half over and be a fixture in the secondary for...as long as he's under contract before he bolts for big money. The Bills have a gem in the former man of Troy--his time will come.

Mancini's Take: It's nice to know that Greer did yeoman's work in OTAs, but how did McKelvin perform? Unless Troy boy totally fell on his face, I think he should be starting from day one. If he's your 11th overall pick, he should start right now. The kid's a playmaker and should be out there as often as possible. Greer is a nice, but limited option who struggles with the deep ball and tends to get outmuscled by bigger and stronger receivers.

WESLEY HITS THE STREETS
The Chiefs released Greg Wesley Thursday, the Kansas City Star reports.

Mandel's Take: This was expected. At 30, Wesley is not young but he's got some tread left on the tire. Since the Chiefs didn't exactly do right by him, I'd expect him to resurface somewhere in the division for vengeance's sake. Vengeance is a nice motivator.

Mancini's Take: Unfortunately, Wesley was the victim of a numbers game. The Chiefs are better equipped at safety with the younger Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard. Our resident oracle correctly predicts that Wesley will resurface elsewhere, but he'll probably be asked to serve as a backup.