If the Ravens had a true No. 1 receiver they may have advanced to and won Super Bowl XLIII.

How many times have you SAID that?

The Ravens would love to have a player in the mold of Larry Fitzgerald or one with the skills of Brandon Marshall. But is that the only way for the Ravens to take that next step?

Can they take that next step with the wide receiver talent currently on their roster provided they improve in other areas?

That's a reasonable assumption don't you think?

But before we go there, let's look at the receiving talent the Ravens do have heading into the 2009 season.

Derrick Mason: It's safe to say that Mason can at least duplicate what he did in 2008 given that he expects to be fully recovered from a shoulder injury that limited him last season when he still managed to haul in 80 catches for 1,037 yards and 5 TD's. As a point of reference Anquan Boldin, the end all be all No.1 wide out for the Ravens in the eyes of many had 89 receptions for 1,039 yards and 11 scores.

Mark Clayton: Yes he's been a disappointment but isn't it logical to conclude that his productivity could improve now that he's had some experience with Joe Flacco and now that he'll have a full training camp with the second year signal caller? Let's not forget that Flacco did not run with the first team offense in camp last summer.

Demetrius Williams: The big "IF" in this corps of receivers...if Williams can stay healthy, his skills immediately improve the unit.

Kelley Washington: A big target with a solid work ethic and familiarity with the AFC North.

Marcus Smith: Raw talent, a former running back now more familiar with his surroundings...through experience a better player.

This group certainly won't make you forget the targets Kurt Warner throws to in the desert but one could reasonably conclude that they are at least marginally better.

Is that improvement alone enough to elevate the Ravens above and beyond the Steelers?
Probably not, but there are other ways to close that gap without dramatically improving the receiving corps...

Last season the Ravens were victimized by a Steelers' hat trick, dropping three games by a total of 16 points. Can those losses be pinned on the team's receivers?

Seems to me that the Ravens were beaten on the line of scrimmage and they were unable to get their running game untracked. Perhaps they just failed to remain committed to the run. In either case it allowed the Steelers to unleash their impressive pass rush.

Not wanting to expose his quarterback, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron held Todd Heap in to support in pass protection. He even held in his tailback to try and keep Flacco clean and that in turn allowed the Steelers to cover three receivers with six defenders. Troy Polamalu, primarily responsible for Todd Heap was allowed to track Flacco's sight lanes and jump routes.

Defending the Ravens became too simple for the Steelers.

If the Ravens had a No. 1 receiver would the Steelers alter their defensive game plan? Well not if the Ravens are unable to keep James Harrison and Lamar Woodley off Flacco.

The Ravens spent their first pick in the '09 Draft on a right tackle adding to a young and developing offensive line. The addition of Michael Oher might enable the Ravens to get more receivers out in patterns presenting a greater challenge to opposing defenses.

They've also added six-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk.

The Ravens spent their second pick on a player (Paul Kruger) who will give the pass rush a boost. The third pick was invested in a player (Lardarius Webb) who can provide a spark to the return game and add depth to the secondary.

The Ravens made a couple of free agent moves to build even more depth to the back end of the defense. S Dawan Landry returns from a season ending spinal concussion; S Tom Zbikowski and S Haruki Nakamura are more seasoned; DT Kelly Gregg is chomping at the bit to get back on the field after a season on IR (knee) while DT Justin Bannan has grown as a player; DT Haloti Ngata is more accomplished and was an absolute beast against the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.

Joe Flacco is now battle tested and ready to absorb more of Cameron's playbook. RB Ray Rice is stronger and more rested. The team's improved depth bodes well for better special teams play.

Add it up and the Ravens are a more solid football team today than the one that walked off Heinz Field as losers this past January.

Do the Ravens need a No. 1 receiver? Of course they do.

Would that make them a better team? Absolutely!

Must they have such a player to achieve greater things in '09? Absolutely not!

Winning in the NFL is all about improving as a team, exploiting opponents' weaknesses better than they exploit yours and controlling the line of scrimmage.

And you CAN do that without a prototypical No. 1 receiver.

Need proof?

Go back and take a peek at the roster of the Super Bowl XXXV winners...

Tony Lombardi covers the Baltimore Ravens for Profootball24x7.com

And given this widely held belief among fans, they precipitously conclude that the problem child flavor of the month can be the missing ingredient for the Ravens - particularly if the player is a wide receiver.

Plaxico Burress - bring him on!

Brandon Marshall - no worries, besides what has he been CONVICTED of...

If either gets out of line, Ray will be there to B-slap some sense into him.

Gee, that theory really worked well with Chris McAlister didn't it?

It's working well with Willis McGahee, right?

Look it isn't Ray's job to be a babysitter. And how could he even affect a player on offense? During the week, the offense installs their game plan and all of the unit meetings, film study, etc. are conducted independent of the defense. During the game, Ray is on the field when the offense isn't and vice versa.

How and when is the mentoring to actually take place assuming Ray and/or his protégé are willing?

The truth is players like Brandon Marshall and Plaxico Burress seldom listen to anyone. They are coddled and have been coddled for so long. Things come easily to them and when they don't they push back. There's resistance.

Warren Sapp, one of my personal favorites among the new player-turned-studio-analyst added recently as reported by SI's Peter King that the game is different and the respect that young players have for the veterans has changed. He used Vince Young as his case in point.

"Look at Vince Young. Why wouldn't he listen to Kerry Collings? I'm sure Vince thinks, 'Nobody's been through what I'm going through. Nobody's been through my kind of pressure.' Are you kidding me! Kerry Collins, fifth pick in the draft, has all the ups and downs, gets benched, makes those racist comments, has the alcohol problems, moves from team to team, comes back, has success ... Vince Young should suck up all the knowledge Kerry Collins has to offer! There's no better role model for him.''

If the Ravens take a chance on a player like Burress or Marshall (and the bet here is that it will NEVER happen) they will do so because the risk v. reward ratio works.

Not because Ray Lewis' presence will help turn a malcontent into a choir boy.

Tony Lombardi covers the Baltimore Ravens for Profootball24x7.com

To the surprise of most the Baltimore Ravens advanced to the AFC Championship Game during the 2008 campaign. Many would argue that if not for a boneheaded personal foul by former Raven Darren Stone after a change of possession in the fourth quarter, the Ravens would have represented the AFC in Super Bowl XLII.

On the heels of last year's success most expect the Ravens to vie for a postseason berth in '09. To get there the Ravens have added depth to their roster most notably in the secondary. Baltimore has long been among the top 5 defenses in the NFL characterized by their physicality and former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan's exotic schemes.

Ryan has now moved on to lead the New York Jets and it's likely the Ravens' defense will not be as exotic under new coordinator Greg Mattison. That said insiders expect Mattison's unit to be very tough and disciplined. Returning Pro Bowlers Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs along with stalwarts like Haloti Ngata, Kelly Gregg and Trevor Pryce will help make the transition to Mattison relatively seemless. Second year players Jameel McClain and Tavares Gooden will battle for the linebacker spot vacated by the departed Bart Scott.

The Ravens' offense is led by second year signal caller Joe Flacco who judging from the recently completed set of organized team activities, is more confident and poised and that's saying a ton about a player who was the first rookie QB to start every game and advance his team to the conference championship. Clearly Flacco holds the keys to coordinator Cam Cameron's offense.

Assisting Flacco is a talented and improving group of offensive linemen anchored by six-time Pro Bowl Center Matt Birk along with the up and coming left tackle Jared Gaither. Rookie right tackle Michael Oher is expected to start at right tackle. He provides athleticism at RT never before seen by this Baltimore franchise. Manning the guard spots will be 2007 first round pick Ben Grubbs and the tough workmanlike Marshal Yanda. Chris Chester provides capable depth.

At the skill positions the Ravens should be stronger simply because they are healthier. Derrick Mason is expected to be 100% by the start of the season after offseason shoulder surgery; promising Demetrius Williams returns from an Achilles' injury. Rounding out the mix at wide receiver will be Mark Clayton, Marcus Smith and Kelley Washington. Todd Heap and free agent LJ Smith will be the team's 1-2 punch at tight end.

In the backfield Ray Rice looks stronger and more explosive while the team is hopeful that Willis McGahee will return to his 2007 form after an injury riddled 2008. Le'Ron McClain is expected to assume a more traditional fullback role in '09 after his Pro Bowl season of 2008 when he was often the featured back. McClain should see some touches in short yardage situations. He could be featured when the matchups play to his strengths.

Special teams play is expected to be a core strength although at the moment, there are some minor concerns as to who will assume the kicking chores of the ever reliable Matt Stover who was not re-signed.

Strengths
Team depth, defense, leadership, post season experience, solid coaching

Weaknesses
No deep threat at WR, lacking a proven kicker, depth at tight end is questionable due to injuries

Key New Additions
CB Domonique Foxworth; DB/KR Chris Carr; C Matt Birk, TE LJ Smith, WR Kelley Washington, QB John Beck

Key Losses
LB Bart Scott, C Jason Brown, S Jim Leonhard, K Matt Stover, Lorenzo Neal, Willie Anderson

Potential Rising Stars
RB Ray Rice, WR Demetrius Williams, DT Haloti Ngata, LB Tavares Gooden, LB Jameel McClain

On The Bubble
WR/KR Yamon Figurs, TE Quinn Sypniewski (possible IR), Frank Walker (potential cap casualty)

1. Start planning your football festivities now. Remember last year when you had friends over and there was a few things missing? Don't let that happen again. Let everyone know you are the King when it comes to game day partying. Let's say the Ravens are going to be playing the Bengals on the Sunday you're having friends over. Try having the appropriate game day decorations around, such as a stuffed tiger with his throat slashed and ketchup stained stuffing hanging out. Things like this can be the difference between having a so so party and one your friends will remember. For Steeler games you should double the effort.

2. Play football with the kids. It doesn't matter that they are only 14 months, and 2 years old, just pick them up and put them where you need them to hone your passing skills. You may want to use a Nerf football for this as kids that age can have a hard time actually catching the ball with their hands. Most times they'll try and use their head to gather in the football.

3. Paint your house purple, paint your car purple, paint your bedroom purple, just paint SOMETHING purple! It will help ease your Summer football withdrawal. After all purple can be a calming color, as well as one to be feared.

4. Go on vacation to get your mind off of Ravens football. Try a trip to some sunny destination like Punta Cana, a place I've been to several times and have fallen in love with. But you must wear your Ravens gear when you  go there, because you'll have the natives coming up to you and saying, " Pájaro", and pointing to the Raven bird on your shirt, Pájaro being the Spanish word for bird. You reply "ave de rapiña" which means Bird of prey. Instantly they'll think you speak fluent Spanish and will start having a conversation with you in their native dialect. Just nod yes every once in awhile and you'll be fine. 

There are many ways to pass the time before the Ravens hit the gridiron once again, so feel free to enlighten all of us with your suggestions, because brother, we're all chomping at the bit to get this season started, and anything that can help pass the time would be appreciated. 

Rave on........    

There's a good chance that Marshall may be suspended by the league after he goes to trial for a domestic battery charge, and that doesn't bode well for a team looking to improve their passing game. Marshall seems to be more of a punk than a team player and the Ravens don't need those kind of distractions.

The Ravens finished last season with the 28th rated passing attack in the league, and the clamor for more weapons for Joe Flacco have reverberated loud and clear throughout the media, at the local tavern, and the office water cooler. While I understand people's concern I think it may be unwarranted.

Consider the following; The comfort level for Joe Flacco has went from having Cam Cameron stand behind him in practice telling him the plays, to Flacco aligning his linemen and receivers with audibles seconds before a play is run. Ray Rice has shown immense improvement from last season in his blocking skills, his route running, and his overall speed. This could be a breakout season for him. Add to that an offensive line that has matured from the point of needing the tight ends to stay in for pass protection on nearly every play to being able to protect the quarterback on their own. This is the opinion of Cam Cameron as he recently stated that the offense will be able to utilize more three receiver, and two tight end sets this season.

While the team may not have a so called number 1 receiving threat that doesn't mean that they can't be a better passing team. Give any quarterback more time to scan the field, and a receiver more time to get open and you'll see definite improvement. While you may not see Raven receivers breaking off 80 yard touchdown runs the team knows how to move the ball down the field, after all they are a smash mouth run oriented offense first and foremost. Move the ball down to the Red Zone and throw out Todd Heap and L.J. Smith on a crossing pattern, add Rice streaking from the outside, and Mason zig zagging his way into the seam, as a defense who are you going to cover?

Newcomer Kelley Washington should also provide a viable option on short yardage and Red Zone situations. Add to that a healthy Demetrius Williams and a rejuvenated Mark Clayton and I believe the Ravens offense has plenty of solid weapons at their disposal. And if you think that Cameron hasn't spent the offseason thinking up new formations and new wrinkles then you're kidding yourself. This offense will improve from last years ranking, one by the way that was able to get them to the AFC Championship game along with a lights out defense and stellar Special Teams play.

Have no fear, this will be a better team this season, barring major injuries of course, then the one that thrilled us week in, and week out last year. I've got a feeling we ain't seen nothing yet! 

Some may argue that Gholston should have been the first story. Taken as the number six pick in the first round, he was a much higher pick and thus received more attention overall last year. In Eric Mangini's system (former DB coach), Lowery got more playing time and had a bigger impact last year. Many argued that Gholston was a bust after one year with relatively little playing time. This year, Ryan and Mike Pettine have called out Gholston stating if they can't make him a player, then no one can. Looking at the feedback from Pettine who so far has said that "the signs are there" regarding Gholston's focus and progression from OTA workouts, you tend to think he will answer the challenge this year.  

Ryan and his staff will put the players in situations to succeed. I really don't see them asking Gholston to drop back and cover passes a whole lot this year. For additional depth with coverages, keep an eye on undrafted Jamaal Westerman out of Rutgers making the team. They are the same size and he seems more at ease dropping back in pass coverage than Gholston. Vernon Gholston has the speed skills to play either way, but his game is all about the rush and attacking the QB. He is a classic speedy defensive end in the Julius Peppers/John Abraham mold. I think Jake Long still has nightmares about him and we play Long and the Miami Dolphins twice a year. I like the thought of Gholston, Jenkins and Ellis rushing a QB with our core of LB's behind them. If you line up in a 4-3 or 4-6 with the extra tackle, it will only help create more opportunities for sacks as now teams can't double team any of the three with a Sione Piouha, Howard Green or Marques Douglas (another ex-Raven) also on the line.   

Last year, Gholston missed the early organized team activities and training camp due to a contract holdout. This hurt his development more than people realize. In Mangini's system, he was being forced into a read and react style of play. As a head coach with a highly touted first year player in a new system, this was just asking for problems. This was never his strength in Ohio State, as he was an end who lined up to cause QB pressures, sacks and hurries. The good thing about Rex Ryan aside from him talking more smack than a WWE promo, is that he is a throwback football coach. He's not all caught up in "well our philosophy is to a read and react" and trying to reinvent the wheel with his players. He recognizes his players strengths and works to implement a system that will utilize them. There are fundamental things about football that don't change no matter what year it is. In the trenches, you line up and try to knock the crap out of your opponent.

Gholston and Lowery are two sophmore players who should benefit from the change in attitude and philosophy with this staff. I feel that the natural skill sets of each will be utilized with the new system and additions to the roster. With more experience Gholston will evolve into a more complete DE/LB. For now, the best bet is to line him up and let him loose. If they can get a minimum of five sacks out of him in situational playing time, it would be a good start to a promising career.    

One of the biggest reasons Flacco was able to get better as the season progressed is his dedication to be the best he can be. Sure, lots of players claim to want to be the best, but few put in the hard work necessary to achieve that goal. Not so with Flacco. During the season he was the first to arrive at the Ravens training facility, and often the last to leave. The coaches would fax him the game plan on Thursday evenings, and Flacco would study them to the smallest detail so that come game day he knew it by heart. If any of it overwhelmed him, he certainly never let it show. His fellow players, and his coaches marveled at his calm demeanor, giving him the moniker "Cool Joe".

Recently, Flacco admitted that last season was tough. He didn't know his team mates very well, and didn't know the coaches that well either. It was a huge learning process, and one that is now behind him.

So, what will be the expectations for "Cool Joe" going into his sophomore season?  

Brad Gagnon at The Score put out an interesting challenge on his blog last week, calling on sports fans to answer, Who's the team of the decade?

My answer is obvious, but not just for the reasons you might think.

Brad makes a great statistical case for the Patriots over at his place: they have won the most Super Bowls (3), are tied for the most conference titles (2), tied for the most division titles (6), have the best regular season record (102-42), and the best playoff record (14-3). They also own the first perfect regular season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins, and before that, a streak of 21 consecutive regular-season wins, more than that if you count the playoff games in between.

Then Brad has to go and sully my glowing feelings of pride by noting, correctly, "It's safe to say that the Pats would've had this thing locked up had they beaten the Giants in Super Bowl XLII."

Furthermore, he points out, on a purely statistical basis, the Pittsburgh Steelers could rival the Patriots' record in the postseason if they win the Super Bowl this year. "Consider New England to be the team of the first half of the 2000s, while Pittsburgh's the team of the second half," he concludes.

But I disagree with that. Even if the Steelers were to win this year's Super Bowl and dominate the second half of the decade on paper, there's simply no way for them to dominate the zeitgeist of the decade the way the Patriots have.

That's what we're really talking about when we're talking about the team of the decade - like Time Magazine's Person of the Year, it's not who's been the most successful or the most liked, but the most influential and / or emblematic. We're talking about the first team that will spring to mind when you think of the decade, for better or for worse, and there's a lot more to that than wins, losses and rings.

Even if the Pittsburgh Steelers establish another dynasty in the salary-cap era, it'll still be just that: another one. The Patriots were the first to do it, when it was thought to be impossible.

They began the decade in the spotlight with the controversial defection of Bill Belichick to New England from the New York Jets. Before he'd ever set foot on the field in Foxboro, Bill Belichick was at the center of attention in the league, and he's hardly left it since.

The next year, the Patriots ended a 42-year-long championship drought (read: the entire history of the franchise) in an improbable run featuring the rags-to-riches story of Tom Brady, and the parallel drama of Drew Bledsoe as he recovered from devastating injury. Once again, they were the source of controversy after the Tuck Rule game. They went on to become the underdog of Super Bowl XXXVI.

It went beyond the stories on the field, though. Playing in the first Super Bowl to be held since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, as the league's Super Bowl DVD from that year puts it, "the team flying highest was wearing red, white and blue." Bob Kraft also captured the sense of identification between team and country with his line after the upset victory: "Today, we are all Patriots."

And so on, through the dynasty years. It wasn't just that they won - it's that they won with a new style, a new scheme, and incredibly shrewd player development. They were called a "model franchise". Other teams openly aspired to mimic their success.

As if all the wins and the cultural resonance weren't enough, the Patriots were also at the center of the NFL's greatest rivalry of the last decade. It was a trifold rivalry - between two teams, the Indianapolis Colts and the Patriots; between two head coaches in Tony Dungy and Bill Belichick; and between the two premier quarterbacks of the decade, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. These two teams have played the most contentious, fraught series of playoff contests in the AFC over the last 9 years, and when Peyton Manning finally got his day in the sun, he had to go through the Patriots in the AFC Championship first.

Of course, I'm biased. I know there are people out there who would despise the idea of another superlative attached to the Patriots. People who absolutely can't stand the entire franchise, and all it stands for.

But in the end, that's what really seals this for me.

The Patriots are the touchstone team of this decade, not just because they have been successful or loved, but also because they have also been hated and failed. Throughout the perfect regular season, when the records they were breaking weren't making headlines, SpyGate was. I heard that season, on this blog, from fans I never normally hear from, like Baltimore Ravens fans. Suddenly it was important to everyone in the league whether Bill Belichick was a cheater.

The controversy spread to envelop the St. Louis Rams, an otherwise obscure former Patriots video assistant named Matt Walsh, a Boston beat reporter named John Thomase, and his newspaper, the Boston Herald, after Thomase broke news on the eve of the Super Bowl against the Giants alleging the Patriots had videotaped a Rams walk-through prior to Super Bowl XXXVI. While Walsh eventually failed to supply any evidence, the repercussions of this bombshell lasted well into Spring Training the next year. A $100 million lawsuit was filed in New Orleans over the alleged cheating in the championship game. Senators in Washington got involved. Eventually, the Herald was forced to print an embarrassing public retraction and apology for fanning the SpyGate flames.

The Patriots media juggernaut has another dimension, too, and another face: Tom Brady. Open this week's Sports Illustrated and you'll find him inside the cover in a two-page ad for bottled water. Open one from a few weeks ago and you might spy him in a Stetson ad. Pass by People, Us Weekly and the like on the newsstand, and there's Brady, his wife, his ex-girlfriend, and his baby, being gabbed about and debated over to rival the SpyGate controversies. People who don't watch football have an opinion on him and his family. He is a crossover star, instantly recognizable, on a par with the likes of Derek Jeter and Brett Favre. I can't think of anyone from this decade's Steelers who's earned that description.

Love them or hate them, if you're a football fan, you've spent a lot of time this decade thinking about and arguing about the Patriots, no matter what team you root for. They've been the underdog, the model franchise, the dynasty, the fallen heroes and the villains, all in a few short years. When we look back on this decade with all its turmoil, only the Patriots will embody it all. 

2009 Baltimore Ravens Preview

Prediction: 11-5 (Second AFC North)

Head coach: John Harbaugh (Second year)

Offense

QB Joe Flacco: At 24, he's one of the bright quarterbacks in the NFL.

RB Willis McGahee: Was hurt all of 2008, and returns healthy in 2009. If he can shine in 2009, he may play out his entire contract.

FB Le'Ron McClain: After an All Pro season in 2008, it'll be difficult for McClain to repeat.

WR Derrick Mason: One of the most consistent receivers in the NFL.

WR Mark Clayton: At 5'10", he's small, but can make an impact.

TE Todd Heap: The team drafted OT Michael Oher, so Heap will have more of an impact on the passing game.

LT Jared Gaither: The 22-year old had a good season last year and has All-Pro potential.

LG Ben Grubbs: The 2007 first-round pick has shown durability the last two seasons.

C Matt Birk: At 32, he's aging. But six Pro Bowls speak for themselves.

RG Marshal Yanda: He's underappreciated, but makes an impact on the line.

RT Michael Oher: There is a battle between Anderson and Oher, and due to youth and versatilty, the rookie takes it.

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QB Troy Smith: Had he not gotten sick, he would have started last season.

RB Ray Rice: One of the best third-down backs in the league, and when McGahee leaves, he's the running back.

WR Demetrius Williams: Can be a reliable No. 3...when healthy.

WR/KR/PR Yamon Figurs: One of many track athletes in the NFL.

TE L.J. Smith: Leads league in dropped passes, injuries, and missed blocking assignments every year.

OG Chris Chester: The Oklahoma alum is the backup guard and can even be the Ravens future center.

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DEFENSE

DE Trevor Pryce: Entering the last year of his contract and could end his career a Raven - in 2009.

DT Kelly Gregg: Had a solid 2007, missed all of 2008.

DE Haloti Ngata: Played defensive tackle in 2008 and was snubbed of a Pro Bowl. Shifts back to DE with Gregg returning.

LB Tavares Gooden: The Miami alum will replace Bart Scott.

LB Jarret Johnson: A converted defensive tackle was a constant in the backfield in 2008.

LB Ray Lewis: Does anything need to be said?

LB Terrell Suggs: With contract issues, this could be his last year with the Ravens.

CB Domonique Foxworth: The Baltimore native signed a four-year contract with the Ravens the day free agency began and has great playing speed.

FS Ed Reed: Does anything need to be said?

SS Dawan Landry: After solid 2006 and 2007 seasons, Landry missed most of 2008. It'll be huge to have him back.

CB Fabian Washington: A great cover corner, Fabian needs to work on tackling.

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DE Dwan Edwards: The former second-round pick is starting to blossom.

DE Paul Kruger: Has a high motor and great character.

LB Jameel McClain: Known as the "safety machine." That would be a good thing.

Could even steal Gooden's spot.

LB Antwan Barnes: Can make impact as a pass-rushing linebacker.

LB Jason Phillips: Was an emotional leader in college and quietly productive.

FS Haruki Nakamura: Provided some great play on special teams and appears to be the guy at free safety when Reed leaves.

SS Tom Zbikowski: Like Nakamura, is a good special teamer, and if Nakamura isn't ready when Reed leaves, can prove to be a good replacement.

CB Lardarius Webb: The rookie is small, but versatile and can do whatever it takes.

CB/KR Chris Carr: Signed for a bargain, and provides great return presence, as he carried the Titans special teams last year.

2009 Ravens Draft Class

1 (23) - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi.

2 (57) - Paul Kruger, DE, Utah.

3 (88) - Lardarius Webb, CB, Nicholls State.

5 (137) - Jason Phillips, LB, TCU.

5 (141) - Davon Drew, TE, East Carolina.

6 (185) - Cedric Peerman, RB, Virginia.

The Ravens fell in love with Oher's great personality, versatility, and work ethic. They may even decide to throw him into the fire immediately. Now, it's unlikely they will call for a position switch and put Oher at left tackle and Gaither on the right side, but since Oher is so versatile, the team will likely decide to put him at right.

That is, if he earns a job. Kruger is a speedy defensive end who, if Trevor Pryce leaves after the year, may start in 2010.

Webb was a confusing decision because the Ravens have stocked up on cornerbacks the last two offseasons, but Webb can play corner, safety, and can make a significant role in the return game. Phillips may end up being the future emotional leader of the Ravens, as he was at Texas Christian. He's not very athletic, but is very productive.

Davon Drew was an odd selection with Cornelius Ingram on the board, but Drew is productive, can block a lot better than Ingram, and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron can utilize his tight end like no other offensive coordinator can. Peerman was even more confusing, with all the running backs the Ravens had, but he was the best player available.

The Ravens went into this offseason with a busy road ahead of them. The dominant linebacking trio of Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Bart Scott were scheduled to become free agents.

After undergoing a clump of trade rumors, the Ravens and Ray Lewis agreed to terms, as the future Hall of Famer signed a seven year, $44.5M contract. But don't be fooled. This is really a three year, $22M deal.

Terrell Suggs had a breakout season in 2008, but wasn't awarded with a long term extension, as he was again slapped with a franchise tag. The odd-man out turned out to be Scott, who signed a six year, $48M free agent contract with the New York Jets, reuniting with former defensive coordinator and current Jet head coach Rex Ryan.

Offense

Say what you want about quarterback Joe Flacco getting tons of help from a dominant defense and a great run game, Joe flat out made plays. Flacco has an incredibly strong arm, exhibited great poise, and isn't fast, but shockingly mobile.

The Ravens have some good backups, with Troy Smith, a former Heisman Winner and a very athletic guy, and John Beck, who reunites with Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

Smith is a truly sad story. After Kyle Boller faded off during the preseason, it looked as if it was Troy's job to lose. However, he got sick, lost tons of weight, and didn't return until Week Eight, only to see Flacco manning the quarterback position.

Now, his spot as a backup is in jeopardy. Beck, 27, is a Brigham Young native who dominated throughout his college career, but it hasn't yet translate to the NFL. While he may get his shot elsewhere, his best chances are as a backup. Beck has a legitimate shot to beat Troy Smith for the backup job. Talk about the difference of a year.

As previously stated, the Baltimore Ravens had a powerful run game, and some claim the strong ground attack opened up the passing success Flacco had. The Ravens received most of their help on the ground from fulllback Le'Ron McClain, who ran the ball 232 times for 902 yards and scored ten touchdowns.

At fullback, those numbers are almost Madden-like. Not only does McClain do a great job in the backfield, the Ravens also have Willis McGahee and Ray Rice. McGahee had a strong season in 2007, running 294 times for 1,207 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.

Unfortunately, the Ravens went 5-11 and finished the season losing nine of 10. In 2008, the Ravens turned their season around, but McGahee battled injuries all year long and run for just 671 yards.

If McGahee can stay healthy, he's one of the most effective running backs in the league, and during the last two games of the season and throughout the playoffs, he exhibited that.

Ray Rice did a phenomenal job last year as a third-down back. He missed some action after suffering an injury in a 24-10 win over the Washington Redskins. With McGahee talking his way out of Baltimore, Rice could project as a No. 1 back in the future, and the one time he did start, he ran for 154 yards on 21 carries.

Going into the offseason, many Ravens fans wanted that big play wide receiver to help out Joe Flacco. However, the Ravens opted not to do so in the draft or via free agency, and decided to add depth to the offensive line.

The Ravens have an incredibly consistent wide receiver in Mason, who gained 1,037 yards last season and was like a security blanket for the rookie Flacco. As the year progressed, Flacco started utilizing his other targets more, such as Mark Clayton, who had amazing showings against the Bengals and Jaguars.

Demetrius Williams returns healthy, and can be one of the most reliable No. 3 receivers in the NFL--when healthy. The Ravens don't have a clear cut No. 4 receiver and have some candidates in Marcus Smith, Ernie Wheelwright, Yamon Figurs, and undrafted free agent signee Eron Riley.

The Ravens added depth to the tight end position over the offseason, signing free agent L.J. Smith to a one year, $1.5M deal and drafting East Carolina alum Davon Drew in the fifth round with the 141st overall pick.

The Ravens now have four guys who can potentially start at tight end--Todd Heap, L.J. Smith, a now healthy Quinn Sypniewski, and Drew.

With Oher drafted, Heap won't be blocking as much, and we can see the Todd Heap of old, the one who is easily a Pro Bowler and can gain anywhere from 600-800 yards. With Cam Cameron at the helm at offensive coordinator, it's quite possible.

We all know what Cameron turned Antonio Gates into. Smith will play a very minimal impact this season. He has an uncanny ability to consistently lead the league in dropped passes, missed blocks, and injuries.

Sypniewski, on the other hand, comes back from an injury that forced him to miss all of 2008. At 27, he's got a bright future ahead of him. In 2007, he had a respectable year, catching 34 passes for 246 yards and scoring one touchdown. I call it respectable with Kyle Boller throwing to him.

At 6'6", 270, he's a physical specimen and could be the Ravens' future tight end. Davon Drew is the leading candidate to be the Ravens future at the position. He doesn't have the size or long arms Sypniewski has, but is productive (43 catches, 695 yards, 3 TD as a senior) and with assistance from Cameron, can develop into a good tight end.

After Jonathan Ogden retired in the 2007 offseason, the Ravens offensive line would look weird. It does look weird--it's one of the best offensive lines in football, something it never has been.

The Ravens have great youth on the line. Jared Gaither, 23, is one of the bright left tackles in all of football, and despite the team drafting Oher, the Ravens have opened contract extension negotiations with Gaither and strongly detest letting him go.

In the 2007 Draft, the Ravens addressed offensive line immediately, adding former Auburn left guard Ben Grubbs. Grubbs has been great with the Ravens in his first two seasons, and didn't miss a start last year. While the Ravens have great youth on the line, the center position is where they decided to add a veteran.

Literally one hour after re-signing Ray Lewis, it was announced that six time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk had signed a three year, $12M contract with the Ravens. Birk, 32, is in the latter stage of his career, but can definitely still play and is among the more elite centers in all of the NFL.

On the right side, the Ravens will have youth. Marshal Yanda, 24, was drafted in the third round of the 2007 Draft by the Ravens and despite rarely being talked about, is an asset on the team. He is the future of the Ravens at right guard, and has the versatility to play center.

Right tackle is a very interesting situation.

Last year, the team brought in Willie Anderson as a last second free agent signee. The signing worked out perfectly, as Anderson succeeded on the right side throughout the year. However, Anderson is 34 years old, and it is very seldom offensive lineman last that long. The Ravens decided to add some youth, bringing in Oher, who I project to start.

Defense

The Ravens had an off year in 2007, especially defensively. In 2008, however, the team rebounded to post a dominant year in which they, yet again, didn't allow a 100-yard rusher, while forcing turnover after turnover after turnover.

The Ravens' defense should go into 2009 even better. On the defensive line, Trevor Pryce is going into a contract year, Kelly Gregg is coming back 100 percent healthy, and Haloti Ngata is playing his natural position--defensive end. The Ravens actually have some capable backups, in Dwan Edwards, Brandon McKinney, and now, Paul Kruger.

The Ravens linebacking core has always been dominant. 2009 should be no exception. Ray Lewis goes into the season playing under a new contract, Terrell Suggs goes in trying to earn the long term extension he wants, Jarrett Johnson is developing into a very good linebacker, and Tavares Gooden should benefit immensely under the tutelage of the trio.

Unfortunately, the Ravens weren't able to retain Bart Scott, but as Terrell Suggs said: "you can't always have your big brother fight for you."

This Baltimore team finally has young, stingy cornerback play. Last year, the Ravens had Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister lined up to start before the season. But now, it's 25 year olds Fabian Washington, Domonique Foxworth, and possibly Chris Carr if injury occurs.

The comforting thing for the Ravens is that these corners can make up for it with playing speed. If Chris McAlister or Samari Rolle get burned, you can basically forget about the receiver getting tackled. With Foxworth or Washington, you can count on it.

Ed Reed is a playmaker. We know this.

But something that will be crucial for the Ravens as a defense going into next season is the health of Dawan Landry. He was victim to a concussion last season in a 28-10 victory over Cleveland in Week Three, but returns healthy for 2009.

Folks, remember, this is a Dawan Landry who had 70 tackles, five interceptions, and scored a defensive touchdown as a rookie in 2006. Ed Reed, we don't have to worry about. He's going to get his seven interceptions, block his punts, and score his three defensive touchdowns.

Special Teams

One of the interesting things to follow on the Ravens is the kicking situation. Who will the kicker be? Will it be Steven Hauschka or undrafted free agent signee Graham Gano? Gano was a steal in the undrafted free agent period, to say the least.

The No. 1 kicker going into the draft, he didn't even get drafted, and now has a chance to start. Hauschka has the range, but it's always good to have competition, especially at such a vital position.

The Ravens have one of the best punters in football in Sam Koch. Koch seemed to have an uncanny ability to pin the opponents deep, and was recently signed to a second round tender. The Ravens now have a strong return game, as well.

Jim Leonhard departed, but Chris Carr signed a free agent contract, Lardarius Webb was drafted in the third round, and Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura will make impacts on the return game as well.

Myth Buster

The Ravens will miss Bart Scott

Folks, this isn't true. Bart Scott was a good linebacker in his tenure for the Baltimore Ravens, but at the same time, we've seen countless defensive stars leave the Ravens (Adalius Thomas, Jamie Sharper, Tommy Polley, etc.) and never really dominate the league like they did in Baltimore.

The Ravens have five guys who could step in Scott's role (Jameel McClain, Tavares Gooden, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Prescott Burgess, and Jason Phillips). Like they always have, I expect one of these guys to play as well as Scott.

Open Thought

I think because Jim Leonhard had a good season last year and truly became another product of the system, Baltimore Ravens fans forgot about Dawan Landry. In 2006, as a rookie, he had 70 tackles, and five interceptions. His 2007 season wasn't as good, but he managed to compile 82 tackles.

He was on pace for another good 2008 until he got hurt. People forget about Landry, but he is a better safety than Leonhard.