Giants DE Michael Strahan’s rookie year was so long ago that people often forget that he was once a teammate of Lawrence Taylor and of Phil Simms.

Asked if he feels pressure replacing Strahan, DE Justin Tuck said, “Pressure?  No.  I’m smart enough to realize there’s only one Strahan and there will always only be one Strahan.”

Says Cowboys DT Tank Johnson of being in jail, “I think about it all the time.  It’s an inevitable thought . . . at this time last year where I was.”

The Dolphins signed rookie WR John Dunlap, a former local high school star, to a free-agent contract.

Says Patriots DB Ellis Hobbs of the team’s approach to injuries, “We keep things under wraps for a reason.  We never want things to leak out.  Teams can use it against us.”

Asked what he thinks of training camp, Patriots RB Laurence Maroney said, “Dreading it.  Training camp, I don’t care how in shape you are or how prepared you think you are, you can never be prepared for training camp.”

Says Eagles RB Brian Westbrook, “I think last year one of our big mistakes is that we didn’t really have a playmaker in the punt-return and return games.”

Asked whether he’s concerned about his aching shoulder, Eagles QB Donovan McNabb said, “No, no.  I know it will get better.”

Browns CB Gary Baxter, WR Joe Jurevicius and TE Steve Heiden are being held out of minicamp with injuries.

Says Steelers QB Dennis Dixon of learning the offense, “My head is spinning.  That’s what every rookie goes through.”

The idea that Jason Taylor could be a Steeler is considered — and shot down.

The Redskins loaded up the players on four buses and took everyone to a special Monday afternoon screening of the new Will Smith movie.

Texans rookie OT Duane Brown expects to start.

Asked if he can be the No. 1 back in Chicago, Matt Forte said, “Yeah, I believe so.  I’m not going to sit here and doubt myself or my talent or anything. I  believe that I can come in and play.  I have the ability.”

Says Lions coach Rod Marinelli of WR Calvin Johnson’s absence, “It’s personal for him.  I know where he’s at.  It’s a private issue for him.”

Former Lions OT Lomas Brown is working with current Lions OT Gosder Cherilus.

Retired QB Jake Plummer may finally be near a settlement on the issue of whether he owes the Buccaneers bonus money he got from the Broncos.

Says Broncos coach Mike Shanahan of the types of players he likes, “You want guys that want to play football and are going to give you everything they got . . . guys out there like Champ Bailey, who’s very talented and has great character.”

Panthers rookie DE Hilee Taylor thinks too much emphasis is put on college prospects’ height and weight.

Says Panthers C Geoff Hangartner, “I weigh about 318, 320 right now; that’s as heavy as I’ve ever been. . . .  They want us to be bigger so I put some weight on; it’s not that big of a deal.”

Saints WR Marques Colston skipped a voluntary workout, which may be related to his desire for a new contract.

The Saints are glad to have TE Mark Campbell back from a back injury.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus visited the Cardinals’ facilities Monday; his clients WR Anquan Boldin and DT Darnell Dockett would like new contracts.

Cardinals rookie FB Dionte Johnson can finally work out with the team after his school year at Ohio State ended.

The Rams have cut one tight end and signed another.

Asked why he skipped workouts without telling the coaches, 49ers WR Arnaz Battle said, “It was something that happened.  Nobody is going to have a perfect career where the communication is there all the time.”

Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu is likely to plead not guilty to DUI.

Seahawks receivers coach Keith Gilbertson was surprised when head coach Mike Holmgren gave him the job.