(Photo by Ned Dishman/Getty Images)
Offensive Line
The offensive line’s run-blocking should improve with the addition of free-agent center Matt Birk and return of RG Marshal Yanda from injury. The Ravens drafted RT Michael Oher in the first round to fill the gap left by the retirement of Willie Anderson.
Depth is a major issue since Chris Chester is the only backup center who has any experience. In his three years in the NFL, Chester has played in 43 games. He started 11 games for the Ravens in 2008.
The Ravens tried to get better at pass protection, an area in which they ranked 18th last season, by drafting Oher. But he doesn't have Flacco's blindside—Jared Gaither, entering just his second year as a starter, does. Gaither must continue to improve if the Ravens' line is truly going to get better.
Quarterbacks
After an unusually successful rookie campaign, Joe Flacco is back. He threw for 2,971 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2008. In addition, the Ravens made the playoffs and advanced to the AFC Championship Game under his leadership.
Flacco is well-insured by Troy Smith and John Beck.
Running Backs
The Big Three—Willis McGahee, Le’Ron McClain, and Ray Rice—return from their breakout 2008 season. But McClain has been moved back to fullback.
Jalen Parmele, whom the Ravens plucked off of the Dolphins’ practice squad on December 10, 2008, could be a No. 2 or No. 3 running back on a lot of other teams. According to his player profile on the Ravens’ official Web site, Parmele is a "smooth, aggressive athlete who can gain the tough yards and is sure-handed out of the backfield."
But because he’s on the Ravens, he will have to fight for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart against draft pick Cedric Peerman, about whom Ravens director of player personnel Eric DeCosta had this to say:
“He’s as tough as they come with good hands. He’s been a very productive special teams guy. He’s got a tough mindset. He’s a lunch-and-pail-type guy. He was another ‘red star’ for us this year. Guys who get this distinction have a temperament and countenance we want—toughness, high character and intelligence, leadership, and competitiveness.”
Wide Receivers
The defense and "Big Three" in the rushing offense stole the limelight last year, but No. 1 receiver Derrick Mason had an under-appreciated season, catching 80 passes for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns. However, one can’t help but wonder how many similarly productive years Mason has in him, considering he’s 35.
With a few more touches, Mark Clayton would have the potential to break out in 2009. But with a powerful rushing attack and a more reliable receiver above him on the depth chart, his production will still be limited.
After unsuccessful stints with the Bengals and Patriots, Kelly Washington, who has caught 73 passes for 896 yards and nine touchdowns in seven years in the NFL, signed with the Ravens in May. Washington is exactly what the Ravens needed to build some depth at wide receiver. The team now has two legitimate pass catchers beyond Mason and Clayton.
The team thinks a lot of Marcus Smith.
Tight Ends
Stalwart Todd Heap is still the leader of this group. His production has dropped off the past two years (he was injured for 10 games in 2007). But when he’s on his game, he’s a force.
After six years as an Eagle, LJ Smith signed with Baltimore in the offseason. He’s certainly not going to threaten Heap, but Smith has enough pass catching and blocking ability to spell Heap for limited minutes when needed. He can also play more than one role in two-TE sets.
If Heap and/or Smith get hurt, look for draft pick Davon Drew to step in and contribute nicely.
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