2009 Baltimore Ravens: Players to Watch

(Photo by Ned Dishman/Getty Images)

Coming off a 5-11 campaign in 2007, starting an ill-prepared rookie quarterback from Delaware, and under the guidance of a life-long special teams coordinator turned NFL head coach, expectations had hit the basement amongst the observing public. National media pundits widely regarded the 2008 version of the Baltimore Ravens as a major work in progress, and a team that would be lucky to win three or four games.

Yet 13 wins later, and just four minutes and away from the Super Bowl, the Ravens now not only expect to repeat last year’s impressive performance, they intend to improve upon it.

Here are the 10 players to watch as the team prepares in their 2009 quest for the Lombardi Trophy:

OT Michael Oher

Sliding farther in the draft than he reasonably should have, the Ravens were overjoyed to select Oher, a player they believe will give them the young book-end tackles they’ve never before had. Oher’s basketball background highlights his athleticism, but his physicality and aggressive streak make him an ideal candidate to man the right side. Unprotected tackles in the NFL can mean big things for a rapidly developing young passing offense, and as a result Oher’s progress warrants attention. He could be a special football player.

WR Demetrius Williams

When Williams sustained a season-ending ankle-injury last season, it severely limited the Ravens offense, forcing raw and inexperienced players into the vital third-receiver role for the team’s stretch-run in 2008. When healthy, Williams is a big-play waiting to happen, possessing the speed to get deep on defensive backs, the hands to make plays in traffic, and the change of direction skills to get yards after the catch.

Having added a reported 15 pounds of muscle to his upper body this offseason, Williams health could provide Joe Flacco with the field-stretching weapon he needs to maximize his, and this offenses’ potential.

RB Ray Rice

Rice won’t wow you with his speed, and is hardly reminiscent of Barry Sanders when it comes to the juke move. He’s also not the biggest guy in the world, but what Ray Rice brings to the table is the game of a complete running back. The definition of a workhorse during his time at Rutgers, Rice likely benefited from an offseason of relative relaxation, and could burst onto the scene this year if given the chance.

Rice is a down-hill runner with tremendous vision and feel for the game, and he finishes his runs aggressively. He’s also displayed a knack for making defenders miss, and shaking off arm-tacklers. If he secures the starting job in training camp, he’ll be unlikely to relinquish it.

LB Tavares Gooden

Whoever wins the vacant starting linebacker positional battle between budding stars Tavares Gooden and Jameel McClain in training camp, the other will be sure to see plenty of playing time in 2009. But it’s clear that Gooden has the inside track, and that it’s his job to lose.

Gooden is highly-regarded by the Ravens personnel department and coaching staff for his speed, competitiveness, and playmaking skills. Gooden brings more athleticism to the Ravens defense than did his predecessor Bart Scott, but perhaps lacks the football instincts the “Madbacker” once called upon while in purple. That's something that should improve with increased experience and film study, and it couldn't hurt to be playing alongside fellow former Miami Hurricane Ray Lewis.

Gooden’s understanding of scheme should improve dramatically in his second year, and his production may open eyes as a result. He’s so fast that teammates have actually had to tell him to slow down in mini-camp practices.

DT Kelly Gregg

Gregg underwent micro-fracture surgery to repair a career-threatening knee condition this past season, a surgery that was required to prolong his NFL career. Reports coming out of mini camp are very encouraging though. If he comes back true to form, he bring a tough, lunch-pail type work ethic to the defensive line that will only stand to improve a unit that was a strength even in his absence.

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