2009 Baltimore Ravens Offseason Preview: Quaterbacks and Running Backs

The Baltimore Ravens season is over, but fans still have the offseason to look forward to. After a successful 2008 campaign, they are looking to improve in certain areas this offseason. So with the coming of the offseason, comes a position-by-position look at what the Ravens have to do. Today: quarterbacks and running backs.

Quarterbacks:

Baltimore has found it's franchise quarterback (seems like they've been looking for once since '96) in Joe Flacco, who had an impressive rookie season. Flacco's back-up, Troy Smith, provides flexibility in the offense with his athleticism as Baltimore has lined up both on the field at the same time (known endearingly as the "Suggs Package"). The projected starter for the 2008 season, Kyle Boller, was out for the season and is likely not coming back next year.

The third-string quarterback this year was Todd Bouman, who provided a veteran presence for Flacco to draw from. It is unknown whether Baltimore will retain Bouman or not, but if they don't, they should sign a veteran quarterback with winning experience such as Charlie Batch, Jamie Martin, or even Aaron Brooks.

Current position grade: A (because for the first time, Ravens have certainty at that position)

How to improve: Pick up a veteran presence such as Batch, Martin, or Brooks through free agency if Bouman can't be resigned.

Running Backs:

The Ravens had a potent three-man running attack this season with Le'Ron McClain, Willis McGahee, and Ray Rice.

McClain was little utilizited as a runner during his first season with Baltimore and during his tenure with the Alabama Crimson Tide, but Ravens offensive coordinator, Cam Cameron, saw something special in the young fullback and McClain's power running style earned him 902 yards, the most rushing yards for Baltimore this season.

The three-back system slowed McGahee's production a bit. McGahee, who had a 1,000 yard season in 2007 had 671 yards this year, but he still had shining moments. Still, after a solid playoff performance, including a workhorse game against Pittsburgh, it looks like McGahee is likely to stay and be a major part of Baltimore's offense next season.

Out of the three backs, Ray Rice was the best receiver out of the backfield and his change of speed running style helped provide a new dimension in Baltimore's running game.

The big question about the position is whether veteran fullback Lorenzo Neal will stay with the team next season.Neal was a great blocker this season, as he has been his entire career, and he provides a valuable veteran presence for the team. If Neal can't be retained, Baltimore really needs to look into acquiring a blocking fullback, either through the draft or free agency.

Rounding out the running back corps are speedy young backs P.J. Daniels and Jalen Parmele. Both backs can aid the team if the starters are banged up or struggling in a game.

Current Position Grade: A-

How to improve: If Neal isn't going to be with the team next year, a blocking fullback is a true necessity. Signing a player like Naufahu Tahi or Terrelle Smith, or drafting one like Brannan Southerland out of Georgia in a later round would be a good course of action.