Michigan State’s Greg Jones had a lot of buzz entering Senior Bowl practices this week, but he has failed to live up to the hype. He’s way too stiff and struggled during blitz drills.

One key thing to keep in mind for fans that closely track the draft process is how big a role scheme plays in a team’s evaluation. For example, when defensive back prospects are graded, there is much more that goes into that than just their physical ability.

It’s often the late arrivals that seem to make an impact during Senior Bowl Week. This year is no different.

It might not be the most glorious position in the NFL, but center is one of the most important.

Brett Favre’s return to the Vikings this year — to earn that $13 million waiting for him and address the unfinished business on the field — might be big news to some, but it shouldn’t be a surprise.

Dwight Freeney didn’t look bad moving around in warmups. Looks like he can go straight ahead. What you don’t know is if can he push off against pressure. But he absolutely looked better than you thought he would. The Colts are going to try to get some situational pass rush out of him.

NFL.com analyst Pat Kirwan is down on the sideline, passing along his observations as both teams begin to make their way onto the field for warmups.

While rookie QB Josh Freeman patiently learns the offense, veteran Byron Leftwich is earning the respect of his defensive teammates with the way he’s been throwing the deep ball.

A day at the San Diego Chargers’ training camp revealed a focused Philip Rivers, an aggressive defense, some impressive rookies on both sides of the ball, and more. Pat Kirwan offers his observations.

After watching the Miami Dolphins at training camp Friday, I leave knowing this is Chad Pennington’s team, Ted Ginn is making progress, Jason Taylor will start and Ricky Williams’ has a new-found burst.

I had the chance recently to watch two spirited practices at Atlanta Falcons training camp, chatting with owner Arthur Blank, GM Thomas Dimitroff, coach Mike Smith and a number of players in the process. I left Flowery Branch with a good feel for the 2009 Falcons.

After a visit to Carolina Panthers training camp, it appears WR Dwayne Jarrett has made a lot of progress, rookie DE Everette Brown may have been a steal in the second round, and the loss DT Maa’ka Kemoeatu will force the team to bring in a veteran for help.

The Steelers return 20 of 22 starters, which makes them strong contenders to repeat as Super Bowl champions. They still have Dick LeBeau running the defense, and his players call him “The Wizard,” which reflects the schemes and creativity he brings. The offense still has Ben Roethlisberger under center and returns RB Rashard Mendenhall after a season-ending shoulder injury last year.

Pat Kirwan got a real good feel for the Browns after his visit on Wednesday.

Pat Kirwan attended Jets training camp and made some observations about coach Rex Ryan and the QB competition between Kellen Clemens and Mark Sanchez.