Outlook for the 2011 Baltimore Ravens

In 2010, the Baltimore Ravens finished the regular season tied for the second best record in the AFC at 12-4, but ended up as a wild card team due to the Pittsburgh Steelers owning the tiebreaker over them. Baltimore’s Defense carried the Ravens yet again this season as the offense became too predictable and eventually faltered in the Divisional round against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens lacked a deep threat, and the Steelers capitalized on possession receivers Derrick Mason, and Anquan Boldin and check down back Ray Rice.

In the 2011 NFL Draft, Baltimore addressed three of their needs. The Ravens selected wide receiver Torrey Smith (Maryland) in the second round and believe that he will be the deep threat that they have lacked over the past couple of years. The Ravens also addressed another concern by selecting cornerback Jimmy Smith (Colorado) in the first round, since the Ravens are currently poised to lose three former starting cornerbacks. In the third round, the Ravens selected offensive tackle Jah Reid, whom will provide depth immediately and could start in 2011 with former starting right tackle Jared Gaither expected to test the free agent market.

With the addition of their rookies, let’s take a look at the Ravens’ current roster and see what positions are still in need of upgrades.

Quarterbacks (3)

Joe Flacco, Hunter Cantwell, Tyrod Taylor

Joe Flacco has one of the strongest arms in the NFL and throws one of the prettiest deep balls that you will ever see. Flacco is entering his fourth season in the NFL and with the drafting of speedster Torrey Smith, Flacco should be able to air it out more in 2011, and put up even better numbers than his 62.6 completion percentage, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season. Ravens GM Ozzie Newsom has said that he expects Flacco to “take ownership” of Baltimore’s offense in 2011.

Hunter Cantwell signed a reserve/future contract with the Ravens, but couldn’t make the Carolina Panthers’ roster last summer after his previous coach spent the offseason praising him.

Rookie Tyrod Taylor (Virginia Tech) projects to be a very capable backup to Joe Flacco, and an accuracy upgrade over Troy Smith. Taylor’s speed had talks of him being moved to wide receiver, but the Ravens like what they see in him. Taylor has drawn comparisons to Michael Vick and was given more control of the Hokies’ offense than Vick had in college.

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore needs to sign a proven backup quarterback while they develop Tyrod Taylor. Taylor is a rookie and no rookie drafted that low should be handed the second-string quarterback job. Potential Free Agents include: Kerry Collins, Todd Collins, Charlie Frye, Jim Sorgi, Billy Volek

Halfbacks (5)

Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, Jalen Parmele, Anthony Allen, Matt Lawrence

Ray Rice had another solid season with 307 carries for 1,220 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground and 63 receptions for 556 yard and a touchdown through the air in 2010. However, Rice’s production decreased from his breakout season in 2009 when he had 254 carries for 1,339 yards and 7 touchdowns and 78 receptions for 702 yards and a touchdown. I expect the Ravens to give Rice fewer carries and use him in the passing game more as Flacco is on the verge of becoming an elite quarterback.

Willis McGahee is scheduled to make $6 million in 2011, which is too high for guy that only had 99 carries for 377 yards and 5 touchdowns. As a result, the Ravens have asked McGahee to take a pay cut, and he declined, but there’s no way that any other team would pay him that kind of money if the Ravens decide to cut him.

Jalen Parmele received an extended restricted free agent tender from the Ravens, but could leave the Ravens if another team decides to part with their sixth round pick for him. Parmele was only given seven carries in three seasons and doesn’t appear ready to take over McGahee’s role, should they cut him.

Rookie Anthony Allen could have a chance to backup Ray Rice if McGahee is cut, but would have to unseat Jalen Parmele on the depth chart. Allen’s lack of receiving skills could hurt his chances in the short term, even though he has the size and running ability to be a short-yardage back.

Matt Lawrence is an exclusive rights free agent after spending last season on the reserve/PUP list due to surgery on his torn ACL. Lawrence could make the roster, if the Ravens part ways with Willis McGahee.

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore needs to get rid of McGahee’s $6 million contract. If that happens, Parmele would step into the backup role, which is a cause for concern if Ray Rice were to get hurt. Look for the Ravens to look for a backup with receiving skills in Free Agency. Potential Free Agents include: Ladell Betts, Kevin Faulk, Julius Jones, Mewelde Moore, Sammy Morris, and Fred Taylor

Fullback (1)

Jason McKie

Jason McKie is the only Ravens’ fullback currently under contract. McKie is veteran insurance in case the Ravens can’t resign Le’Ron McClain.

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore needs to resign Le’Ron McClain, especially if they cut McGahee. McClain could take over the second-string halfback duties and periodically come in as a fullback. If Baltimore is unable to resign McClain, they’ll likely take a look at competition for Jason McKie. Potential Free Agents include: Heath Evans, Vonta Leach, and Tony Richardson

Wide Receivers (9)

Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, Torrey Smith, David Reed, Tandon Doss, Marcus Smith, Justin Harper, Brandon Jones, James Hardy

Anquan Boldin is more of a possession receiver at this point in his career, but his ability to separate seemed to decrease in the second half of last season. Boldin finished his first season as a Raven with a disappointing 64 receptions for 837 yards and 7 touchdowns. Boldin disappeared in the playoffs and had only 1 reception for -2 yards in their loss in the division round to the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite being cover by William Gay instead of Ike Taylor

Derrick Mason hasn’t missed a game since 2002 and appears to have recovered from his sports hernia and finger operations. Despite turning 37 back in January, Mason doesn’t look like he lost any quickness as evidenced by his 2010 season where he had 61 receptions for 802 yards and 7 touchdowns. Mason was forced to play out of position last year as a deep threat, but is more likely to spend more time in the slot in 2011.

Rookie Torrey Smith will be the third receiver on the team this season, but will switch to the outside in 3-and-4 receiver sets. Smith figures to see most of the situational vertical receiver work given his 4.37 forty time. Being a second-day pick hurts Smith’s chances of landing Mason’s starting job because he wasn’t allowed to receive a playbook.

David Reed was NFL’s top kickoff returner last season, and that will likely be his same role in 2011. Reed could compete to be the fourth receiver on the team with Tandon Doss.

Rookie Tandon Doss was a two-time All-Big Ten first-teamer, but fell to the Ravens in the fourth round due to his post season surgery to repair two groin muscles. Doss will compete for the fourth receiver spot and if healthy he should surpass David Reed on the Depth Chart.

Marcus Smith received a fourth-round tender and while he’ll be safe from other teams’ offer sheets, Smith is going to have to prove to the Ravens that he’s deserving of a roster spot.

Justin Harper made the Ravens practice squad last season and will likely be cut or end up back on the squad.

Brandon Jones hasn’t been the same since a 2005 torn ACL. Jones will have an opportunity to show the Ravens what he’s got, but the odds of him making the team are slim.

James Hardy is finally healthy after suffering ACL and foot injuries through the past two years. Hardy reportedly turned heads at recent workouts organized by Derrick Mason. Hardy has always had the talent and size (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) to make it in the NFL, but has yet to produce so far.

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore doesn’t need any free agent receivers and will be adding to the market on Cut Down Day.

Tight End (4)

Todd Heap, Ed Dickinson, Dennis Pitta, Davon Drew

Todd Heap is a great receiving target when he’s healthy as evidenced in the Ravens victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card round where he had 10 receptions for 108 yards. However, that was Heap’s fourth career 100-yard performance and his first since 2005.

Ed Dickinson is viewed as more of a blocking tight end and received few targets despite the occasional starts in place of Todd Heap.

Dennis Pitta dealt with multiple concussions last season and was after thought when he was healthy. Pitta only had one reception for a yard and will need a strong preseason if he wants a bigger role in 2011.

Davon Drew is going to be competing for his job in 2011, since he spent the last two years on practice squad.

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore doesn’t need any tight ends right now, but given their injury history at the position, don’t be surprised if the Ravens take a look at the market during the regular season.

O-Line (11)

Michael Oher, Ben Grubbs, Matt Birk, Bryan Mattison, Jah Reid, Oniel Cousins, Ramon Harewood, Eric Vandenheuvel, Daniel Sanders, Andre Ramsey, Brady Bond

Michael Oher struggled in his first year on the blind side, but Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome confirmed that the team plans to keep him at left tackle in 2011.

Ben Grubbs is one of the better run blocking guards in the league and hasn’t missed a game in his career. However, Grubbs had his second ankle surgery in the past three offseason which is why the Ravens haven’t thought about resigning him beyond 2011.

Matt Birk is still playing at a high level despite the fact that he’s going on age 35. Birk battled a late-season knee injury, but assuming he recovers, he’ll remain the starting center in 2011.

Bryan Mattison is an exclusive rights free agent and is only listed as the starting right guard because the Ravens don’t have any better guards on their current roster. Mattison will likely make the team as a backup.

Rookie Jah Reid will get a chance to earn the starting right tackle job. If Jared Gaither and Marshal Yanda don’t return and the Ravens don’t sign anyone to replace them, Reid would start.

Oniel Cousins was given a third-round tender and should remain with the Ravens as a backup in 2011. Cousins started at the end of last season, but still has to work on his game before he is handed a starting job.

Ramon Harewood underwent surgery on both knees after being placed on injured reserve. He has the potential to be the No. 2 left tackle of the future, but his recovery and work ethic we’ll determine whether he will.

Eric Vandenheuvel has amazing size (6foot7, 325 pounds) and should make the team as a backup.

Daniel Sanders is an exclusive rights free agent, but will likely get cut if the Ravens resign Marshal Yanda

Andre Ramsey and Brady Bond signed reserve/future contracts, but neither is likely to make the team.

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore needs Marshal Yanda as he can play right guard and right tackle very well. Jared Gaither likely won’t be back, but the Ravens will need to look for his replacement in free agency. Potential Free Agents include: Khalif Barnes, Alex Barron, Jammal Brown, Sean Locklear, Barry Sims, Langston Walker and Ray Willis

D-Line (10)

Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Kelly Gregg, Cory Redding, Paul Kruger, Terrence Cody, Arthur Jones, Brandon McKinney, Pernell McPhee, Lamar Divens

Terrell Suggs bounced back from a disappointing performance in 2009 with a Pro Bowl appearance last season. Suggs had 11 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in the regular season, but had an even more impressive in the postseason where he racked up 5 sacks and a forced fumble in just 2 playoff games. Suggs plays both defensive end and outside linebacker in the Ravens’ hybrid defense which continuously switches between the 3-4 and the 4-3.

Haloti Ngata dropped 25 pounds from his previous 350-pound playing weight that produced 5.5 sacks. Ngata is committed to becoming a leaner faster pass-rushing presence on the inside. Already one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the game, Ngata figures to better last year’s career-high 5.5 sacks.

Kelly Gregg is getting older and despite being the Raven’s second all time leading tackler, he could lose snaps to Terrence Cody in 2011. Gregg is 34 years old and has dealt with injuries over the past couple of years and as a result will be batting Terrance Cody for snaps in 2011.

Cory Redding was labeled a bust coming out of Seattle, but a change of scenery proved to be just what he needed. Despite missing a week due to concussion, Redding quietly was one of the Ravens’ top run stoppers last season. Redding finished the season with 38 tackles, 3 sacks and an interception. Redding is expected to compete at defensive end with Paul Kruger to start opposite Terrell Suggs.

Paul Kruger sprained his MCL last season and missed 4 weeks as a result. However, Kruger says he expects to compete for a starting role and receive “at least 50 percent” of the defensive snaps in 2011. When Kruger was healthy last season, he managed one tackle for a sack as a defensive end, so his statement might be a little ambitious, since the Ravens are reported to on the lookout for a veteran pass rusher once free agency begins.

Terrence Cody dealt with a scope on his knee during his rookie campaign, causing him to miss the first three games of season. Cody got better as the season wore on and made 13 tackles in the Ravens’ two playoff games. Ravens GM Ozzie Newsom is expecting Mount Cody to have a “breakout” season and his role is likely to get bigger in his sophomore season as starting defensive tackle Kelly Gregg is entering his age-35 season.

Arthur Jones only appeared in two games in his rookie season, but should have rotational value in 2011. Jones has major talent for a defensive tackle, but landed with the Ravens in the fifth round last season after a torn pectoral muscle and a torn meniscus cost him from participating in the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine.

Brandon McKinney rotated heavily with Cory Redding last season, but should see receive fewer snaps in 2011 because the Ravens are expected to look for a pass rushing end in free agency and if they don’t land one, Paul Kruger is expected to take some of McKinney’s snaps.

Pernell McPhee is expected to be a rotational player at best in 2011. McPhee put up 2 sacks as a senior at Mississippi State, so unless he magically develops pass rushing skills quickly, he’ll spend a lot of time on the sidelines.

Lamar Divens only played four snaps last season, but the Ravens really like his size and resigned him to a one-year, $1.2 million contract. Divens won’t see a lot of playing time and will have to compete with Arthur Jones for the third-string nose tackle job.

Free Agent Analysis:

While Terrell Suggs had 11 sacks in 2010, the Ravens need more of an outside pass rush in 2011. Cory Redding had only 3 sacks at the other defensive end position and as a result the Ravens are going to look for an upgrade in free agency if possible. Potential Free Agents include: Ray Edwards, Shaun Ellis, Cullen Jenkins, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Marcus Spears

Linebackers (9)

Jarret Johnson, Ray Lewis, Jameel McClain, Sergio Kindle, Tavares Gooden, Dannell Ellerbe, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Jason Phillips, Albert McClellan

Jarret Johnson finished fourth on the Ravens with 77 tackles in 2010. Johnson only had 1.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, but played through back spasms throughout the season. Johnson hasn’t missed a game due to injury in 7 years and should be healthy heading into the 2011 regular season.

Ray Lewis turned 36 in May and despite still playing at an elite level, he doesn’t see himself “playing football past 37”. If that’s the case, Lewis’s eventual retirement would create a huge hole for the Ravens. Lewis led the Ravens with 145 tackles last season, and also had 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries.

Jameel McClain lost roughly ten pounds this offseason, going from the 250s to 244. McClain had 91 tackles and a sack last season and thinks the loss of weight will allow him to do more “gap shooting” as a pass rusher in 2011. The Ravens gave McClain a second-round tender which is worth roughly $1.9 million and he could be in for a huge pay day with a big season.

Sergio Kindle (fractured skull) received medical clearance to resume football activities back in March and will compete for playing time at outside linebacker in 2011. Kindle will earn $330,000 in 2011 and will have to prove he can contribute before landing a multi-year deal.

Tavares Gooden received a third-round tender and will remain with the Ravens in 2011. The Ravens are hoping that the injury-plagued Gooden can contribute as a backup and on special teams this season.

Dannell Ellerbe lost his starting job to Jameel McClain last season after landing in Coach John Harbaugh’s dog house for bonehead decisions on the field. Ellerbe didn’t play with the “same ferocity” he showed as a rookie and needs an attitude adjustment if he’s going to see a bigger role in 2011.

Brendon Ayanbadejo is one of the best special teams players in the NFL and should be ready to fill the same role in 2011 as the Lockout has given his knee more time to heal.

Jason Phillips tore his LCL back in 2009 and has been described as “very, very slow” ever since he recovered. Phillips is struggling to recapture his pre-injury form and might get cut if he doesn’t have a strong preseason.

Albert McClellan joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent last season and landed on the practice squad. McClellan signed a reserve/future contract and will likely have to compete with Jason Phillips for the last linebacker spot

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore will eventually have to find a replacement for Ray Lewis, but not right now. The Ravens currently have two solid linebackers in Jameel McClain, and Jarret Johnson next to Ray Lewis and appear to be set. However, this position often receives a few injuries on every team every season, and the Ravens will bring in some undrafted free agents to add to the practice squad.

Cornerbacks (6)

Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb, Domonique Foxworth, Cary Williams, Chykie Brown, Danny Gorrer

Jimmy Smith will be the Ravens’ top cornerback in 2011, seeing as how the Ravens’ don’t have any other starting cornerbacks currently under contract. Ravens Defensive Coordinator plans to use like the Jets do Darrelle Revis, allowing Smith to shadow opposing No. 1 wide receivers. Smith’s physical skills have been compared to Nnamdi Asomugha and if Smith lives up to hype, he could win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Lardarius Webb is better suited to be a nickel corner as evidenced in the Ravens’ Week 10 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons where Roddy White torched him for two touchdowns. Webb might not have been comfortable last season after undergoing ACL Surgery in the beginning of 2010. Webb might start opposite Jimmy Smith in 2011 though, as the Ravens are losing their three starting cornerbacks to free agency and might not be able to resign any of them.

Domonique Foxworth is expected to make $4.4 million in 2011 and the Ravens are expected to ask him to take a paycut given the fact that he is coming off ACL surgery. If Foxworth can prove to the Ravens that he’s healthy, he would compete with Lardarius Webb for the starting job opposite Jimmy Smith.

Cary Williams is a talented cornerback with a history of character issues. Last season, Williams was the number five corner on the depth chart and also played special team. Williams could compete for the nickel cornerback spot in 2011, if the Ravens opt not to bring back any of their starting cornerbacks.

Rookie Chykie Brown ran forty times of 4.37 and 4.40 during his March Pro Day. Brown is also a physical player and should immediately see a role on special teams, possibly as a gunner.

Danny Gorrer began last preseason with the St. Louis Rams, but was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Saints and then by the Indianapolis Colts. Gorrer was an undrafted free agent, and that’s what can happen when teams view a player as just another body. The Ravens probably viewed him in the same way when both parties agreed to a reserve/future contract.

Free Agent Analysis:

With Chris Carr, Fabian Washington, and Josh Wilson set to hit free agency, Baltimore’s cornerback position is currently going to be lead by a rookie, an inconsistent corner and a corner coming off ACL. However, Josh Wilson could return next season considering he’s a four-year veteran whose fate will be determined by the new CBA. If you were the GM of the Ravens, would you feel comfortable heading into the 2011 season with all of those question marks? Potential Free Agents include: Nnamdi Asomugha, Phillip Buchanon, Karl Paymah, Carlos Rodgers, Lito Sheppard, and Ike Taylor.

Safeties (4)

Ed Reed, Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, Marcus Paschal

Ed Reed hasn’t fully recovered from his 2010 hip surgery. Even though he’s less than what he used to be, Reed is still playing at an elite level and his 8 interceptions in ten games last season back that up. Coach John Harbaugh says that Reed feels he can play four or five more years” and that should put to rest any of the retirement questions that circle around him.

Tom Zbikowski started six games at free safety, but recorded just 17 interceptions and no interceptions during that span. Zbikowski could start at strong safety though as last season’s starter Dawan Landry is set to hit free agency. Playing strong safety would fit the aspiring boxers’ skills more as he would play more in the box and get to tackle more.

Haruki Nakamura is expected to battle Tom Zbikowski for the starting strong safety job. Nakamura has better covering skills, but the potential blitzing skills of Zbikowski will ultimately force the Ravens to go with Zbikowski. It’s not all bad for Nakamura though because Ed Reed isn’t fully recovered and Nakamura could easily fill in for him.

Marcus Paschal was resigned for 2011 and will likely make the team as a special teams player, but if the Ravens decide to bring in a free agent, he would get cut.

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore feels as though Tom Zbikowski is more than capable replacing Dawan Landry. Zbikowski probably won’t have as many tackles as Landry, but his aggressiveness should allow him to have an impact blitzing, and in the run game. Landry will be missed, but it’s all about the bang for the buck in the NFL.

Kicker (1)

Billy Cundiff

Billy Cundiff converted 26-of-29 field goal attempts and as a result, Cundiff earned his first Pro Bowl appearance. Cundiff also tied the NFL record for touchbacks with 40.

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore signed Billy Cundiff to a five-year contract back in January. This position shouldn’t be an issue for another five years

Punter (1)

Sam Koch

Sam Koch is one of the most effective punters in the NFL. Koch finished second in the league with 39 punts inside the 20-yard line versus four touchbacks. Koch also finished fourth in the league with a 39.2 net average, despite averaging only 43.6 yards per punt.

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore resigned Sam Koch to a five-year contract back in February. This position shouldn’t be an issue for another five years

Long Snapper (1)

Morgan Cox

Morgan Cox beat out Matt Katula for the long-snapping job last offseason and is an exclusive rights free agent in 2011. Cox developed a reliable chemistry with Billy Cundiff and Sam Koch, but had his season end early with a torn ACL and a third-degree MCL sprain.

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore could retain Kevin Houser if Morgan Cox can’t recover.

Kick/Punt Returners (4)

David Reed, Lardarius Webb, Torrey Smith, Tandon Doss

David Reed surprised the Ravens after they spent the first half of the season experimenting with Jalen Parmele, Josh Wilson and Tom Zbikowski. Reed led the NFL in kick returns with a 29.3-yard average. Reed also set a franchise record with his 103-yard return for his lone touchdown of the season. However, Reed is recovering from a left wrist injury and didn’t have surgery on what was reported as a torn ligament.

Lardarius Webb took over the punt returning duties, after Tom Zbikowski dealt with foot and back injuries. Webb was solid with a 9.5-yard average, but could receive competition for a healthy ZBIkowski as well as rookies Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss.

Torrey Smith had 123 career kickoff returns for a University of Maryland- and ACC- record 2,983 yards (24.3-yard average) and 3 touchdowns. Smith also ran a 4.37 in the forty, so perhaps he can take the job from David Reed.

Tandon Doss had 66 career kickoff returns for 1,549 yards (23.5-yard average) for the University of Indiana

Free Agent Analysis:

Baltimore has enough returners, they just need to decide who it’s going to be in 2011.

Ravens Unrestricted Free Agents (14)

Marc Bulger, Prescott Burgess, Chris Carr, Chris Chester, Jared Gaither, Kevin Houser, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Dawan Landry, Le’Ron McClain, Tony Moll, Donte’ Stallworth, Fabian Washington, Josh Wilson, Marshal Yanda

Marc Bulger reportedly, “still has the fire to play” as a starter and as a result his one year stint with the Ravens is over and both sides will go their separate ways. Bulger is going to have to compete for a starting job and the best fits for him appear to be the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and the Tennessee Titans.

Prescott Burgess was the Ravens’ top special teams’ tackler over the past two seasons, but was not extended a restricted free agent tender prior to the Lockout. Baltimore wants to retain Burgess, but at a cheaper salary. Burgess would remain a backup if he were to stay in Baltimore.

Chris Carr was Baltimore’s most consistent cornerback in 2010 and could resign with the Ravens, if they are unable to resign Josh Wilson. At age 28, Carr is poised to command his highest salary and it’s possible that Detroit will call, but then again, the Lions have been linked to every free agent cornerback.

Chris Chester can play both guard and center, but started at right guard last year. Chester struggled in run-blocking and if he were to return to the Ravens, it would have to be as a backup to Matt Birk and possibly Marshal Yanda if they resign him.

Jared Gaither is expected to leave Baltimore if he’s declared unrestricted, given that he’s a four-year veteran. It’s rumored that the Detroit Lions secretly covet Gaither and while he would start at right tackle for them immediate, he’d switch to left in 2012, replacing Jeff Backus.

Kevin Houser could resign with the Ravens if Morgan Cox’s recovery hits a snag.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh is a slow possession receiver and the Ravens drafted a speedster to replace Houshmandzadeh, who had a crucial drop in Baltimore’s playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Houshmandzadeh is 34 years old and will likely have to sign a one-year, incentive-laden deal if he wants to play next year.

Dawan Landry is rumored to be seeking a deal in the $5 million-per-year range which might be too high for the Ravens since they have Tom Zbikowski ready to step in as a starter.

Le’Ron McClain is a valuable commodity, but given that he’s a four-year veteran, he might have to remain in Baltimore. Although, if McClain is declared unrestricted and hits the open market, the Ravens might be able to resign him, if McGahee leaves, allowing McClain to become Ray Rice’s bruising complement.

Tony Moll is an athletic offensive lineman, which doesn’t really fit the Raven’s power-blocking scheme. Moll isn’t likely to start anytime soon, but is seen as a valuable backup and should get signed by a team looking for depth.

Donte’ Stallworth is coming off a foot injury and the Ravens are not expected to resign him due to the fact that they selected two receivers in the NFL Draft.

Fabian Washington has been an injury-prone disappointment since the Ravens traded for him in 2008 and as a result, Washington lost his starting job to Josh Wilson at mid-season was used sparingly down the stretch. Washington will likely accept a nickelback job as he’s already eyeing teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Josh Wilson is just a four-year veteran, so there’s a chance that his free agency will be restricted and if that’s the case, Baltimore is not going to let him leave. However, if Wilson is declared an unrestricted free agent, he will receive lots of interest from the losers of the Nnamdi Asomugha Sweepstakes.

Marshal Yanda is the Ravens’ top priority heading into free agency after switching from right guard to replace the injured Jared Gaither at right tackle last season. Yanda will command a big salary and if Baltimore is unable to resign him, Yanda is expected to have a long list of suitors.