Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward during a portrait session at the NFL Network Studio on Wednesday.

The Washington Redskins, clearly in a rebuilding mode, have a few areas in need of improvement. But when NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora was asked during his Wednesday chat about what the Redskins need to do when free agency begins, he had focused on one position.

With new kickoff rules in place, clubs that will have the most success are those that can sustain longer drives. Here’s a look at the number of 10-play drives every team was able to manufacture in 2010. Not surprisingly, the Colts led the NFL in this suddenly more relevant category.

If the Vikings don’t add a veteran quarterback, fantasy owners would be wise to temper expectations for Sidney Rice in 2011.

Twinkle-toes himself, reigning “Dancing With the Stars” champ Hines Ward, will be visiting the NFL.com and NFL Network offices Wednesday afternoon. Be on the lookout for the Steelers receiver to be featured here on NFL.com as well as on “NFL Total Access” on NFL Network tonight. In fact, Ward will join us for a live chat this afternoon at 5 p.m. ET.

Some players might be at a loss for what to do during the NFL lockout, but Dhani Jones isn’t one of them.

Cincinnati Bengals LB Dhani Jones poses during a portrait session at the NFL Network Studio on Tuesday.

After participating in players-only workouts last week with his Detroit Lions teammates, quarterback Matthew Stafford returned to his native Dallas. I saw him while working out the other day at a local school… and I barely recognized him.

Is Devin Hester the 32nd best player in football? Maybe he isn’t. But his stature among great kick returners can’t be argued.

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, the team’s representative to the players trade association, said he foresees an agreement between owners and players being reached within the next month and that football will continue on schedule.

For those who think the talk of Plaxico Burress going to the Eagles is unfounded, simply the result of Michael Vick expressing a desire, don’t underestimate the impact of those desires. So said NFL.com senior analyst Pat Kirwan during his Tuesday chat.

Lions QB Matt Stafford has reportedly worked hard this offseason to strengthen his upper body. If he stays healthy, you can expect a monster season.

Is he or isn’t he? At some point Monday night, there was a tweet from Chad Ochocinco saying he was “looking forward to tomorrow’s route running at 11 am Throwing with Terrell Pryor.” Could it be? Two of the most controversial figures in Ohio sports working out together Tuesday?

In his weekly live chat Monday afternoon, NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt expressed disappointment that Ndamukong Suh hasn’t been more involved in players-only workouts being conducted by his Detroit Lions teammates.

Is Falcons RB Michael Turner a fantasy bust candidate in 2011? Find out why he could be trending downward.