Baltimore Ravens 2009 Off Season: Most Underrated In The NFL?

With training camp just a few weeks away for all 32 teams in the NFL, the offseason is nearing its end as July draws to a conclusion.

While teams such as the New York Jets, Chicago Bears (Jay Cutler trade), and others can make the case for the best offseason; which franchise had the most underrated NFL offseason?

While there are a few teams up for this award, the Baltimore Ravens, via draft and free agency, had a quiet, yet busy offseason to gear up for another postseason run.

The offseason did not begin well for the Ravens. In the first week, they lost defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, line backer Bart Scott, and Jim Leonhard, who played great in the postseason when needed.

While many believed Baltimore would take a step back heading into 2009, Ozzie Newsome worked his magic with a few key signings and draftees over the past several months.

While there are many acquisitions to consider in the Ravens offseason: the top moves that came into play are as follows:

1. Drafting Michael Oher Late in the 1st Round - In the 2009 NFL Draft, the 1st round was deep with offensive lineman, with a projected five or six draftees going in the first 32 picks according to many scouts.

Ole Miss lineman Michael Oher was predicted as the 4th best in this year's class, and was thought of being selected within the first 15 picks.

However, Oher fell a few picks to the 23rd overall spot, where the Ravens felt they couldn't pass him up.

Oher was recognized as one of the bigger surprises in the draft, especially the price Baltimore was able to sign him at.

Oher joins a young line that took some growing pains in '08, and he has a great chance of finding the starting job this year.

2. Signing Of Pro-Bowl Center Matt Birk - When the Ravens let Jason Brown sign with the St. Louis Rams, a hole was created at center.

Sure, there were a few upgrades in the available in the draft, but a veteran presence was needed to lead the young core heading into this season. When they saw Matt Birk currently unsigned, they did not hesitate.

In March 2009, the Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms with the six-time Pro-Bowl center on a three-year, $12 million dollar deal.

A great bargain was found with Birk, who looks to head back to Hawaii after missing out in 2008.

3. Signing Cornerback Domonique Foxworth - The biggest weakness on the Ravens defense was on the passing end. Getting up in age, Baltimore needed to go young and more athletic on the corners.

Luckily, they signed Domonique Foxworth to a four-year, $28 million dollar contract.

Foxworth is a solid pass coverage cornerback, who should help improve the passing defense in 2009.

4. Bringing L.J. Smith From Philly to Baltimore - Another need of the Baltimore Ravens was addressed: finding another offensive target that Flacco can pass to.

That man is tight end L.J. Smith.

Smith had solid campaigns with the Eagles a few years back; and signing him to a one-year, $1.5 million dollar deal is worth the sign. With questions of Todd Heap and his health, Smith could be a main target at the tight end spot.

5. Locking Up Terrell Suggs - One of the important goals of the offseason was to reach terms with Terrell Suggs. Luckily on the day of the deadline, they did so, and made Suggs the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history.

A six-year, $63 million dollar contract assures the security of keeping the young Suggs in Baltimore as the building block of the future defense.

As the Baltimore Ravens head into the 2009 season, many faces will be missed. However, the team continues to bring in new faces, many of whom should contribute to another successful season in Baltimore.

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com. Miselis was recently hired by nfldraftbible.com as a columnist, along with joining FanHuddle.com as a Ravens weekly writer.