Draft Impact: Sources Say Ray Rice Won't Report to OTAs Without New Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers' cap troubles garnered a lot of coverage early in the offseason, but the AFC North  team in a more dire position right now seems to be the Baltimore Ravens. Already under the gun to sign 2013 free agent and starting QB Joe Flacco to a new contract and potentially match any offer for RFA CB Lardarius Webb, now the Ravens might have to worry about a holdout from the engine of their offense.

Aaron Wilson of Scout.com reports that sources close to the situation say that Ravens RB Ray Rice won't report to offseason workouts unless he has a new contract. This despite Rice saying "I look forward to being there" when asked about OTAs at the Ravens new uniform unveiling today.

Wilson also reports that Rice did comment on his contract situation. Rice said, "I think progress is being made, but I know things don't happen overnight," adding, "If they want to get a deal done, we'll get a deal done.

Rice is playing nice with the media, but he knows that after giving the Ravens over 1000 touches and four of the best years of his career, this is his one shot a top-end contract. Playing for over seven million dollars under the franchise tag is good compensation for one year, but players like Rice toil for peanuts under the terms of their rookie deals for the reward of their second contract, a reward that teams seem more and more inclined to be delayed indefinitely for running backs.

The Chicago Bears addressed this problem by signing free agent Michael Bush to a long-term deal, giving them all of the leverage in contract talks with Matt Forte, and insurance in case Forte decides to hold out. Now with this report that hints at at least an OTA holdout for Rice, the Ravens have to bump up the priority of running back in the draft. The top free agent backs have been signed and they only have 2011 seventh-round pick Anthony Allen and practice squad RB Damien Berry on the roster behind Rice.

Drafting a mid-round running back already makes sense to reduce Rice's workload and keep him fresher for playoff runs, and now the Ravens will need a backup plan in case Rice holds out. Who would be a good fit?

Third Round - Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M - Like Rice, Gray is a good all-around back with surprising speed and great balance.

Fourth Round - Robert Turbin, Utah State - Turbin is a rugged back more in the mold of retired Rice backup Ricky Williams.

Fifth Round - Tauren Poole, Tennessee - Poole is a grinder who can do the dirty work between the tackles and wear down a defense.