Quarterback: After playoff runs in his first two seasons, Joe Flacco is poised for a breakout year. The Ravens loaded up on passing-game targets in the offseason, sending a clear message that they are expecting an even bigger impact from the strong-armed quarterback. Veteran Marc Bulger was added as insurance.
Running back: Ray Rice is the dynamic fuel injector of the offense, coming off a superb campaign in which he ranked second in the NFL by averaging 127.6 yards from scrimmage per game. He is prone to punish defenses by exploding on big runs or by turning short passes into long-distance highlights. Willis McGahee is an efficient complementary force, and fullback Le'Ron McClain can tote the ball effectively when called. For all the emphasis on growing the passing game, the Ravens' deep rushing attack is as good as any.
Wide receiver: This long-famished area suddenly boasts multiple options. The big offseason catch was Anquan Boldin, who is similar to trusted veteran Derrick Mason in that the stats don't account for the grit. Donte' Stallworth, back from a one-year suspension and still owning 4.3 speed, is hungry to prove he can be a consistent deep threat. Mark Clayton, a former No. 1 pick lacking first-round impact, is No. 4 in the pecking order.
Tight end: The Ravens drafted Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, who resemble their returning down-the-seam target, Todd Heap. They are big, fluid, agile and have soft hands. Given Heap's injury history, the Ravens needed to address this area. Now it's an intriguing competition that might also cut into Heap's snaps.
Offensive line: Tackle Jared Gaither, subject of much offseason trade speculation, remains with the team but likely will swap his post on the blind side with Michael Oher, who was impressive on the right side as a rookie. The rest of this physical, well-built line remains intact.
Defensive line: Fortifying the trenches is good business for a team that values a signature defense. Enter free agent end Cory Redding and massive rookie nose tackle Terrence Cody (6-4, 360 pounds), aka "Mount Cody." Added to returning ends Trevor Pryce and athletic Haloti Ngata and nose tackle Kelly Gregg, the Ravens hope to shore up a run defense that lost some of its edge in 2009.
Linebacker: Ray Lewis heads into his 15th season still fiery and ultra-productive, but it's natural to wonder if he has lost a step. Terrell Suggs is the big-play ace off the right edge, and left outside linebacker Jarret Johnson has fresh competition in second-round pick Sergio Kindle, a pass-rushing force at Texas. Tavares Gooden and Dannell Ellerbe work inside alongside Lewis.
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