Al Bello, Getty ImagesAge: 35 Position: LB/ST Skinny: One of 13 Ravens? unrestricted free agents, Ayanbadejo has said that he?ll almost certainly return to Baltimore. Not only does he provide linebacker depth, but he?s a quality special teams player and a team leader. The Ravens should be able to work something out to bring him back.
Gene Sweeney Jr, Baltimore SunAge: 32 Position: C/G Skinny: Signed as insurance for veteran Matt Birk before the start of the season, Gurode wound up playing mostly left guard after Ben Grubbs went down. He?s an unrestricted free agent and you?d think the five-time Pro Bowler will be looking for a starting role. That could be here if Birk retires.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 28 Position: NT Skinny: He was inactive four times during the regular season and made 14 total tackles. He?s an unrestricted free agent and he doesn?t figure to be a priority to re-sign with Haloti Ngata, Terrence Cody and Art Jones ahead of him on the depth chart.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 23 Position: WR Skinny: Labeled a bust after being held without a catch for the first two games, Smith had the best season ever for a Ravens? rookie wide receiver. The second-round pick set rookie records in catches, receiving yards and touchdown. He has plenty of developing to do, a scary thought for the opposition.
Larry French, Getty ImagesAge: 24 Position: OLB Skinny: After missing all of his rookie year with a head injury, Kindle didn?t get on the field much in his sophomore season, either. He was active for just two games. It?s unfair to call him a bust at this point, but it?s impossible to know if he can contribute next season because he?s been on the field so little.
Christopher T. Assaf, Baltimore SunAge: 28 Position: DT Skinny: One of the biggest potential story lines this offseason was answered when the Ravens agreed to a five-year, $61 million contract with Ngata in September. The defensive tackle was dominant early in the season and drew mention as a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate before a leg injury made him look rather ordinary down the stretch.
Gene Sweeney Jr, Baltimore SunAge: 27 Position: LB/ST Skinny: Jones was out of a job when the Ravens picked him up in November and he quickly became a regular on special teams. He is an unrestricted free agent and if he is re-signed, it will because of his special teams play.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunAge: 24 Position: S/ST Skinny: The Ravens picked up the feisty safety off waivers from the New York Jets before Week 12, and he became a mainstay on special teams. Because Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura are both free agents, Cook could get an opportunity to occupy a more prominent role on defense next season.
Christopher T. Assaf, Baltimore SunAge: 31 Position: DE Skinny: One of the team?s more underrated players, Redding had one of his better years as a pro with 43 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks, the second highest total of his career. He?s an unrestricted free agent and his return is anything but certain. The Ravens would like to get younger in certain defensive spots and they have rookie Pernell McPhee and second-year player Art Jones behind Redding on the depth chart.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunAge: 25 Position: DT Skinny: Jones started one game in his second season and was a regular in the team?s defensive line rotation. He should have a role next season, though it will likely be as a reserve.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 23 Position: CB Skinny: The first-round pick hurt his ankle while covering the Ravens? first kickoff of the season. He missed four games and was seemingly playing catch-up the rest of the way. Like every rookie corner, Smith was picked on at times but he did nothing to diminish the excitement surrounding his potential.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore SunAge: 26 Position: CB Skinny: If not for Terrell Suggs, you could make a case that Webb was the Ravens? defensive MVP this season. In his third season, he emerged as a shutdown corner, intercepting five balls in the regular season and three more in the playoffs. He?s a restricted free agent, but it?s hard to imagine a scenario where the Ravens let him
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore SunAge: 23 Position: DE Skinny: The rookie made an immediate impact with six sacks in his first 12 games before he was shut out in the Ravens? final five games. He has nice size and speed, and the Ravens will look to get him on the field even more next year. How much he plays may depend on whether Cory Redding returns.
Gene Sweeney, Jr, Baltimore SunAge: 27 Position: G Skinny: Yanda signed a five-year, $32 million in July and rewarded the Ravens? decision with a strong year in which he was selected to his first Pro Bowl team. Now entrenched at right guard, Yanda will remain one of the leaders of the offensive line and one of Ray Rice?s best escorts going forward.
Christopher T. Assaf, Baltimore SunAge: 25 Position: OT Skinny: Clearly more comfortable at right tackle, Oher had a solid season, starting every game. The Ravens would like Oher, who played the season finale versus the Patriots with a torn meniscus, to be a little more consistent and to cut down on the penalties. He made some progress in those areas.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunAge: 23 Position: WR Skinny: Williams, who played his high school ball just minutes away from M&T Bank Stadium at Poly and his college ball at Maryland, created a nice story when he made the team as an undrafted free agent. His biggest play was causing the fumble on kick returner Danny Woodhead in the AFC championship game. Williams will need another good training camp to make next year?s squad.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunAge: 36 Position: MLB Skinny: Lewis answered one of the Ravens' biggest offseason questions moments after the Patriots' loss, saying he "absolutely" will return for a 17th season. He may have lost a step and struggles to cover running backs and tight ends, but he remains the team?s undisputed leader and a huge part of what the Ravens do well.
Gene Sweeney Jr, Baltimore SunAge: 30 Position: FB Skinny: Signed to a three-year, $11 million deal last offseason, Leach justified his status as the NFL?s top-paid fullback, making his second Pro Bowl team and paving the way for a career best season by Ray Rice. He?ll remain an important part of the Ravens? offense going forward.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunAge: 26 Position: TE Skinny: After spending one season learning from Todd Heap, Pitta emerged as one of Joe Flacco?s favorite targets. He caught 40 passes for 405 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season and then he caught another touchdown in the playoffs. He may have the best hands on the team.
Gene Sweeney Jr, Baltimore SunAge: 24 Position: TE Skinny: It was a solid season for the second-year tight end who caught 54 balls for 528 yards and five touchdowns during the regular season and formed a nice duo with Dennis Pitta. The knock on Dickson is he dropped way too many balls and that has to be corrected going forward.
Christopher T. Assaf, Baltimore SunAge: 26 Position: S Skinny: Zbikowski, who filled in so well for an injured Ed Reed the previous season, was atop the strong safety depth chart for the Ravens? first four games, but he sustained a concussion and ultimately lost his starting job to Bernard Pollard. His playing time after that was pretty much confined to special teams. He is an unrestricted free agent and don?t be surprised if he looks elsewhere for a more prominent role.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore SunAge: 26 Position: LB Skinny: Ellerbe showed glimpses of his potential this season before he was exposed by Tom Brady in the AFC title game. If Jameel McClain bolts in free agency, Ellerbe could become a starter. However, he?ll have to prove that he can stay healthy and be much more consistent than he?s been in his first three seasons with the Ravens. He is a restricted free agent.
Gene Sweeney Jr, Baltimore SunAge: 34 Position: RB Skinny: Williams has one year at a base salary of $1.5 million remaining on his contract and there is no reason why the Ravens wouldn?t want him back behind Ray Rice. Williams, a 10,000-yard rusher, filled his role perfectly. Update (Feb. 7): Williams has told the Ravens that he plans to retire, though team officials are leaving the door open in case he decides to return. Williams admitted in a radio interview that "the thing I've learned about myself is, who the hell knows?"
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunAge: 25 Position: CB Skinny: After spending last season on the practice squad, Gorrer played some in the nickel package, and he wasn?t over-matched by any stretch. He also made a couple of plays on special teams. The Ravens are pretty crowded at cornerback, but Gorrer is a good guy to have around for depth purposes.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 33 Position: S Skinny: There were times this season where Reed didn't look like himself, but the future Hall of Famer was outstanding in two playoff games. Reed hasn't said whether he'll return or retire but new defensive coordinator Dean Pees said that he expects him back.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 23 Position: NT Skinny: The first-year starter made an impact early for the Ravens, but he appeared to wear down toward the end of the season. Cody shed some weight last offseason and came into camp in better shape. The Ravens hope he?ll do that again and be able to handle better the rigors of the long season.
Joe Soriero, Baltimore SunAge: 22 Position: QB Skinny: The Ravens think highly enough of Taylor ? and are confident enough in Joe Flacco?s durability ? that they didn?t sign a veteran backup. Taylor, a sixth-round pick last April, didn?t get many opportunities but players and coaches praised his work in practice. He?s expected to continue in his role as Flacco?s top backup next season.
Christopher T. Assaf, Baltimore SunAge: 27 Position: CB Skinny: He started every game for the Ravens and was one of the team?s biggest surprises.He is a restricted free agent and the Ravens obviously want him to return. Assuming he does, he?ll have to hold off Jimmy Smith for his starting spot.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore SunAge: 29 Position: OLB Skinny: Suggs had the best year of his career, setting personal highs in sacks (14) and forced fumbles (7) and tying a career high with two interceptions. The only blemish to his season was he had just one sack in the final five games. The Ravens could make things easier on him by acquiring another pass rusher.
Rob Carr, Getty ImagesAge: 30 Position: WR Skinny: Acquired in August, Evans was a huge disappointment, though some of that had to do with an ankle injury that forced him to miss seven games and limited his explosiveness. He caught four balls in nine regular season games and then couldn?t hang on to Joe Flacco?s potential game-winning touchdown in the AFC championship game. Evans is due a $1 million roster bonus in March and would make a base salary of $3.27 million next season. It?s hard to imagine he?ll be back under those terms.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 27 Position: S Skinny: Not a whole lot was said when the Ravens agreed to a two-year, $2.735 million deal with the hard-hitting safety. But Pollard became a key part of one of the league?s best defenses, providing extra support in the run game, solid coverage skills and a physical and vocal presence. Pollard is due a $500,000 roster bonus in March and there is no reason to believe that the Ravens won?t pick that up.
Gene Sweeney Jr, Baltimore SunAge: 25 Position: S Skinny: With Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard playing every game, Nakamura made his biggest impact on special teams. He is an unrestricted free agent next and he?ll undoubtedly be looking for an opportunity to play more. The Ravens, who value his versatility and special teams play and know that reserve safety Tom Zbikowski is also a free agent, figure to at least explore re-signing him.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore SunAge: 27 Position: G Skinny: Grubbs is an unrestricted free agent and the first-time Pro Bowler is going to make a lot of money this offseason, whether it?s with the Ravens or somebody else. The Ravens want to re-sign the left guard, but that?s going to be tough, considering that they handed out a huge contract to right guard Marshal Yanda last year. Grubbs would be a hard guy to replace but the Ravens can?t keep everybody.
Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore SunAge: 23 Position: OT Skinny: Before the signing of Bryant McKinnie, it appeared that the Ravens might need Jah Reid to play a primary role in his rookie season. The third-round pick saw some action, either on special teams or in jumbo packages. Depending on what else the Ravens do this season, Reid could come into camp as the top reserve on the offensive line.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 25 Position: DE Skinny: The former second-round pick had his long-awaited breakout this season, registering a sack in four straight games and finishing with 6 1/2 for the season. He was one of the Ravens? most improved players and he?ll need to make more progress next year when he figures to occupy a bigger role.
Barbara Haddock Taylor, Baltimore SunAge: 22 Position: WR Skinny: Fans were excited about the fourth-round pick in the preseason, but Doss never made his presence felt on the field, and finished the season without a catch. He also was inactive for 11 games. Doss should benefit from an offseason spent working on his strength and speed.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore SunAge: 25 Position: LS Skinny: Cox has been consistent and reliable so there is no reason for the Ravens to make a change here.
Kim Hairston, Baltimore SunAge: 25 Position: CB Skinny: The fifth-round pick out of Texas didn?t make much of an impact on defense or special teams, and was inactive for nine of the Ravens? 18 games. Considered a bit of a project, Brown is another guy who will need to stand out next preseason to secure a roster spot.
Christopher T. Assaf, Baltimore SunAge: 32 Position: OT Skinny: A late signing to play left tackle, the veteran was solid in protecting Joe Flacco?s blindside, though much less effective run blocking. McKinnie is signed through next year and with the Ravens possibly having to address the center and left guard spots, it?s expected that he?ll return
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 31 Position: WR Skinny: Boldin has two more years left on his contract and he?ll be back. He may not be a game-breaking No.1 wide receiver, but he still is a reliable target for Joe Flacco and he traditionally comes to play in big games. He also sets an example with his toughness, missing just two games after having knee surgery.
Gene Sweeney Jr, Baltimore SunAge: 31 Position: PK Skinny: What the Ravens do with Cundiff will be a prominent storyline after he missed a 32-yarder that would have prolonged the AFC championship game. The stunning miss capped an inconsistent season for the kicker. The guess here is that Cundiff, who signed a five-year, $14.7 million deal last January, will be back, but he?ll have some competition for the job.
Kim Hairston, Baltimore SunAge: 28 Position: CB Skinny: It was a lost season for the classy Foxworth, who was put on injured reserve before Week Four when his surgically-repaired knee wasn?t responding as well as anybody hoped. With Lardardius Webb, Cary Williams and Jimmy Smith expected back next season, Foxworth may have played his last game as a Raven. He is a due a base salary of $5.6 million next season and he won?t be back at that price.
Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore SunAge: 35 Position: C Skinny: The classy veteran is a free agent though that might be a moot point. Birk is seriously contemplating retirement after 15 seasons in the trenches. It?s unclear if the Ravens would bring him back as they know that they need to get younger in certain spots on the offensive line.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 27 Position: QB Skinny: The highly-scrutinized quarterback ended an uneven season by playing one of his better games as a pro in the loss to the Patriots. He?ll be back as the starter next season, but the big question will be whether he gets his long-awaited contract extension. His rookie contract expires after next season and Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has voiced a desire to get Flacco a new deal before the 2012 campaign.
Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore SunAge: 23 Position: RB Skinny: The 7th-round pick last April had three carries all season and was inactive for the Ravens' final 13 games. Assuming Ricky Williams returns, Allen will need a good preseason to make next year's roster.
Patrick McDermott, Getty ImagesAge: 30 Position: TE Skinny: The reserve tight end blocked and played special teams in relatively anonymity until he hauled in a 1-yard touchdown catch in the playoffs versus the Houston Texans. The veteran is an unrestricted free agent and it wouldn?t be surprising if the Ravens bring him back as a complement to young tight ends, Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore SunAge: 30 Position: OLB Skinny: Johnson, an unrestricted free agent, will be another tough decision for Ozzie Newsome. Johnson does a lot of things well and is one of the most well-respected guys on the team. However, the Ravens are looking to get younger and faster at linebacker, and Johnson was on the sidelines a lot this past season. He would be a big loss, but Johnson may find more money and opportunity elsewhere.
Baltimore SunAge: 26 Position: ILB Skinny: With Ray Lewis out for four games with a toe injury, McClain stepped into the spotlight and played really well, perhaps earning a nice payday in the process. McClain is an unrestricted free agent. The Ravens, who have to plan for life after Lewis, would like to keep him and McClain wants to return. However, the bet here is that McClain will get an offer that he can?t refuse elsewhere.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 28 Position: CB Skinny: The veteran was probably the Ravens? best corner in 2010, and was rewarded with a four-year, $14 million contract. But he struggled with injuries this season, spiraled down the depth chart and even was a healthy inactive for the team?s playoff opener. Odds are he ends up as a salary cap casualty.
Christopher T. Assaf, Baltimore SunAge: 29 Position: P Skinny: He averaged 46.5 yards per punt and put 21 kicks inside the 20-yard line with one touchback. It wasn?t Koch?s best season, but he was still solid and reliable. He?ll be back next season.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 22 Position: LB Skinny: An undrafted free agent out of Auburn, Bynes spent a couple of weeks on the 53-man roster. The Ravens have five free agent linebackers, which could create opportunities for guys like Bynes.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 25 Position: LB Skinny: He spent all of last season on the Ravens? practice squad, but not only did McClellan make the 53-man roster, he played in every game, even starting one, and led the team in special teams tackles. McClellan showed enough to garner a longer look next season.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 24 Position: WR Skinny: It was a tumultuous season for Reed who fumbled away his position as the team?s top kick returner. He regained it only to tear his ACL in Week 16. If he returns, it seems likely that he?ll start next season on the physically unable to perform list.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunAge: 25 Position: RB Skinny: Rice?s impending free agency will hover over the offseason, but the reality is that the NFL?s leader in yards from scrimmage isn?t going anywhere. If the Ravens can?t sign him to a contract extension ? and that appears to be the priority ? then they?ll place the franchise tag on him. Either way, he?ll be back and remain the focal point of the Ravens? offense going forward.
Al Bello, Getty Images
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Age: 35
Position: LB/ST
Skinny: One of 13 Ravens? unrestricted free agents, Ayanbadejo has said that he?ll almost certainly return to Baltimore. Not only does he provide linebacker depth, but he?s a quality special teams player and a team leader. The Ravens should be able to work something out to bring him back.
ExpandBy Matt Vensel
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
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For the second time in five seasons, New York quarterback Eli Manning has led the Giants to the Super Bowl title — not too shabby for a former first-round draft pick who was criticized often in his first four NFL seasons.
Does that last part sound familiar?
In his first four seasons in Baltimore, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, the 18th overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, was the subject of a similar storyline. Like Manning, the 1st overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft, he was scrutinized by national pigskin pundits and some of his hometown fans. He was mocked for his shoulder shrugs and his laid-back demeanor. And there were questions about whether he was fit to be a franchise quarterback.
The biggest difference of course is that Manning’s fourth season ended with a win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII and Flacco’s fourth ended with a loss (one in which he played well) to the Patriots in the AFC championship game (but here’s an example of one Ravens player who thinks Flacco played well enough to win against Tom Brady and the Patriots, and there are likely many more who feel the same way).
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Their stat lines also show that Flacco was more stable and productive in his first four years than Manning:
Flacco: 215.9 passing yards per game, 60.8 completion percentage, 80-46 touchdown-interception ratio, 86.0 passer rating. The Ravens went to the playoffs four straight seasons and won five postseason games.
Manning: 199.7 passing yards per game, 54.7 completion percentage, 77-64 touchdown-interception ratio, 73.4 passer rating. The Giants went to the playoffs three times and won four postseason games (all in 2007).
This is not to say that Flacco’s career arc is presently on par with the more clutch of the two Mannings, who has since become one of the top five or six quarterbacks in the NFL. Joe may never be as good as Eli is now. But you have to figure brighter days are ahead for Flacco, especially if the Ravens can give the 27-year-old a diverse arsenal of passing weapons like the one Manning has or a sturdy offensive line like New York’s. Or both.