It’s no secret that Ozzie Newsome has steadily and
successfully built a winning atmosphere in Baltimore. Coming off a Super Bowl
season, Baltimore is primed to become the first repeat champions since the
Patriots in 2003 and 2004. With numerous new faces on both sides of the ball,
here’s a look at what I project to be the starters for the upcoming campaign.
Offense
Quarterback – Joe Flacco
No brainer here. You don’t get paid $120 Million to sit on
the bench
Running back – Ray Rice
Bernard Pierce might take some snaps from Rice, but Diddle
is still the man in the backfield
Fullback – Kyle Juszczyk
Juice is set to become the new road grader in front of Rice
and company. Vonta Leach, who’s rumored to be coming back, would get the nod if
re-signed.
Tight End – Ed Dickson
With a season ending injury to Dennis Pitta, Dickson becomes
the main target at tight-end
Wide Receivers – Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss
Torrey is the undisputed #1 in the Ravens attack. Look for
Tandon Doss to nab the #2 slot as Jacoby Jones is much more suited to be a
third receiver
Offensive Tackles – Bryant McKinnie and Michael Oher
Assuming McKinnie can stay in shape, he’ll be protecting
Flacco’s blind side from day 1. Oher, who was drafted as a left tackle, has
found a comfortable home on the right side
Guard – Kelechi Osemele and Marshal Yanda
Two young and talented workhorses. Both could be headed to
Hawaii
Center – Gino Gradkowski
With the Ravens losing Matt Birk to retirement, look for
Harbaugh to plug in Gino immediately. I believe he’ll win the training camp
battle with newly acquired AQ Shipley
Defence
Nose Tackle – Brandon Williams
Terrance Cody has had 3 seasons to prove he’s the guy, but
has yet to live up to his second round draft billing. Williams is a massive body
who eats up blocks and defends the run well
Defensive Tackle – Haloti Ngata
Look for a healthy Haloti Ngata to rebound and have a
monster season, reaffirming his status as the best DT in the NFL
Defensive End – Chris Canty
The newly signed Canty is a run stopping specialist,
something Baltimore lacked off the edge last season
Outside Linebackers – Elvis Dumervil & Terrell Suggs
Doom & Sizzle should contend for most sacks amongst pass
rushing duo’s in the NFL
Middle Linebackers – Arthur Brown & Daryl Smith
Jameel McClain has yet to be cleared from his neck injury a
season ago, and is falling farther behind every day he misses of camp. Second
round pick Arthur Brown and underrated Daryl Smith begin life without 52
Corners – Lardarius Webb & Jimmy Smith
Every indication points to Webb starting game one after his
season was cut short due to his second torn ACL. Look for Jimmy Smith to step
up and cease the starters role in another training camp battle with Corey
Graham
Safeties – Matt Elam & Michael Huff
Here’s a bold statement - This is a versatile group that
will be better than last year’s duo. Matt Elam could produce a DROY season as
Ed Reed’s replacement. Michael Huff is another quality signing that will step
in and produce immediately at a high level
Special Teams
Kicker – Justin Tucker
Tucker was a pleasant surprise last year, only missing 3
FG’s on the campaign. He’s looking to provide a mistake free season
Punter – Sam Koch
If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it
Long Snapper – Morgan Cox
Who else is going to organize the locker room corn hole
tournaments?
Who To Watch For
CB Corey Graham
DE Art Jones
NT Terrance Cody
WR Jacoby Jones
S James Ihedigbo
C AQ Shipley
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