The following quotes are from NFL scouts, coaches and front-office personnel, speaking on the condition of anonymity:

• “It is so hard to play safety right now it is incredible. What’s really interesting to me — the way defenses are run now — watch how safeties have to fill. I was watching (Oakland SS) Tyvon Branch the other day. He had some great fills — he came in low, drove through his hips with his head up and just drilled the back for a two- or three-yard gain. He’s about 215 (pounds). If you try to tackle a quarterback, tight end or receiver like that, it’s 15 yards and a $40K fine. You need to know who has the ball and have to change your whole approach on how to tackle depending on who has it. Ronnie Lott would have a hard time playing in today’s game.”

“The Ravens got a steal with Corey Graham. He is now starting for the Ravens as a cornerback. He was brought in to be a special-teams phenom, and he has turned out to be a find for them on defense with all the injuries they have had at the position.”

“Losing (LOLB Brooks) Reed could hurt (the Texans). He was playing at a high level before he was injured. He is very disciplined setting the edge.”