Ravens to look out for in '09

After experiencing somewhat of a return to glory last year, the Baltimore Ravens lost some key contributers from last years team that advanced all the way to the conference finals, something exceptionally few predicted of them.

But if they hope to build on what they did last year, they're going to need some players to step up.
Here are some guys that I think are going to do just that. Remember the names.

Jameel McClain

Position - OLB
Age - 23
Height - 6'1"
Weight - 250lbs

Jameel McClain, the undrafted rookie out of Syracuse, had a sensational rookie season in terms of production per play. While seeing the field only briefly, he recorded 2.5 sacks(for 26.5 yards), two safeties (which led the league, and is a career franchise record) and was active on special teams.
McClain is versatile enough to fill the void left at ILB by Bart Scott's departure, but is more naturally a pass rush specialist, possible spelling Jarrett Johnson for more sustained periods than he did last year.

Dawan Landry

Position - SS
Age - 26
Height - 6'0"
Weight - 220 lbs

Dawan, after a suprising and stellar rookie campaign (in which he was selected in the fifth round and ended up totaling five picks and a score along with three sacks) became the the SS that the Ravens had been looking to partner Ed Reed with since Ed Joined the team. He followed that up with a solid sophmore year.

But last year Dawan was hit with a scary neck injury that was originally reported to put him out for a few games but eventually turned into a season-ending injury.

The exit of Jim Leonhard has paved the way for Dawan to return to his position at SS, but cannot afford to be adversely affected by his neck injury as he has two talented young safeties who are both able to play his position waiting in the wings. Expect Landry to respond with another season at the level of his rookie year.

Demetrius Williams

Position - WR
Age - 25
Height - 6'2"
Weight - 197lbs

Demetrius had shown flashed of brilliance in '06 and '07, but never showed consistency. Partly because the Ravens rarely utilized sets with three recievers to spread the field until last year, much of which Demetrius missed through injury.

He has the skills to be the Joe Flacco's deep threat, as he has caught two 70+ yards touchdowns in his brief career, but needs to stay healthy and assert himself as a superior edge reciever to Mark Clayton, as Williams does not have or atleast exhibit the necessary attributes for a slot reciever, where Clayton figures to fit much better.

Chris Carr

Position - CB/KR
Age - 25
Height - 5'10"
Weight - 180lbs

The Ravens' most recent signing (as of this writing) will be charged with upgrading the Ravens' dismal return game of last year. Carr was very impressive on returns last year, possibly asserting himself as the number two return man in the league, behind Josh Cribbs [both of whom burned the Ravens badly last year], who inherited the vacant title from Devin Hester after he moved his attentions to offense and becoming a reciever.

Carr may also be asked to play some defense at dime back, although Derrick Martin is probably a superior cornerback, so Carr will most likely provide not much more than cover at the cornerback position.

Yamon Figurs tremendously dissapointing season last year almost certainly paved the way for this signing.

Unless he proves that he can be a reliable receiver, or his return prowess returns to where it was the season before last, the exit door could be looming for Yamon.

Jared Gaither

Position - OT
Age - 22
Height - 6'9"
Weight - 330lbs

The Ravens' behemoth left tackle had some mightily big shoes to fill upon his arrival in Baltimore. And those shoes were those of sure-fire first ballot hall of famer Jonathan Ogden. In his rookie season, he was allowed to watch and learn from the best the game had to offer, and based on last year's performance, that's exactly what he did.

He was outstanding protecting rookie Joe Flacco's blindside, and if he were in a bigger market would have garnered Pro bowl attention. If Flacco is to continue to progress, he needs to be kept on his feet. And that starts with Jared.