• The sentiment around the Giants is that DE Osi Umenyiora has had an excellent offseason and should be ready to play at a Pro Bowl level again this season. Observers said he has shown an edge this offseason, both in his play and in his comments about returning to form. Even though the Giants have a deep rotation up front and can ease him back into the lineup, there's a good chance he'll start the season in the base defense, ready to dominate.

• The Cowboys like the competition they'll have in training camp at right cornerback between Orlando Scandrick and 2008 first-round pick Mike Jenkins. Based on play last season, Scandrick should have the lead, but we hear Jenkins will get every opportunity to win the job if he plays up to his ability. Scandrick already has shown he can be the nickel back, which is where the runner-up in this battle is likely to line up.

• One of the most interesting developments of the Eagles' offseason workouts has been how vocal CB Asante Samuel has been in practices. Samuel, who took a backseat in terms of leadership to Rodney Harrison in New England and Brian Dawkins last season in Philadelphia, has been far chattier on the field with Dawkins gone. Head coach Andy Reid said he liked the fact that Samuel was displaying a Donovan McNabb-like chattiness in terms of challenging his co-defenders, as well as the offensive players he is facing off against.

• Marvin Harrison's name has come up in connection with the Vikings, and we hear that there's a chance he could join the team, but it likely would happen only if Brett Favre also becomes a Viking. Harrison reportedly wants to play in 2009 and would be in a good situation in Minnesota, where he could mix in well with Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, Bobby Wade and others, though Harrison might want a larger role than just being a No. 3 or 4 receiver.

• Taking advantage of Packers second-year pro Breno Giacomini's inability to get on the field so far this offseason as he continues to rehabilitate his surgically repaired ankle, third-year pro Allen Barbre figures to enter training camp as the front-runner to take over at right tackle for Mark Tauscher, we're told. QB Aaron Rodgers, among others, has raved about the play of Barbre, enthusiastically declaring him the team's most athletic lineman.

• Regarding Green Bay's secondary, daily team observers believe 2008 second-round pick Pat Lee has probably pulled ahead of Will Blackmon as the team's No. 4 cornerback, while ex-Steeler Anthony Smith has outperformed third-year pro Aaron Rouse at safety so far this offseason.

• Saints head coach Sean Payton recently made a few ears perk up when he said Joey Harrington is pushing Mark Brunell to become Drew Brees' primary backup, but sources in New Orleans say Brunell is expected to retain his spot at No. 2 on the depth chart. For the limited amount of time that OTAs and minicamp were open to the media, observers said Harrington was holding on to the ball too long, a problem that has followed him throughout his career, and some say he appeared to be regressing. Brunell, who will turn 39 in September, is an elder statesman but still would be the likely starter if Brees had to miss a game or two.

• Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik recently said he wasn't interested in signing WR Plaxico Burress, which is another indication of the team's confidence in No. 2 WR Michael Clayton. While Clayton has struggled mightily since his rookie year of 2004, Dominik signed him in February to a deal that included $10.5 million guaranteed. Clayton's only real competition is the underachieving Maurice Stovall and rookie seventh-round pick Sammie Stroughter.

• Our Cardinals sources tell us no player was more impressive in the team's voluntary practices this offseason than 2008 first-round CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who appears to have picked up right where he left off in the second half of his rookie campaign. " 'DRC' looked really good," said one team insider. "After playing so well down the stretch last year, his confidence has grown by leaps and bounds. He studies hard and is very confident in his abilities. But he's a good guy, too."

• Rams rookie MLB James Laurinaitis on former Ohio State teammate Larry Grant, who we hear remains in the running for the Rams' starting strong-side LB job: "He's extremely talented. He's a guy that's hardworking and knows a lot about football. He's a leader. He's been a leader when he was at Ohio State. To see him here with me is awesome because he's helping me out with some things in the defense. I think, with Larry, you get a guy who's extremely good with his hands, and he makes some plays. I think if he gets the chance to play football, he's going to show some people that he's going to be a pretty good linebacker."

• Add Niners seventh-round rookie DL Ricky Jean-Francois to head coach Mike Singletary's list of intriguing projects. "He has all sorts of talent," a team insider said of the LSU product and former NCAA national championship game MVP. "He looks like a classic boom-bust type. He's capable of dominating, but he's very inconsistent." At the very least, look for Jean-Francois to make the Niners' practice squad.

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.