Ravens Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Ravens offseason.
QB- Joe Flacco had a very inconsistent year, but he got better as the season progressed and into the playoffs. Part of the problem was that they were asking Joe to do too much. Pretty much all of their losses was when they abandoned the run unnecessarily. Joe is not even close to elite, but he is still their franchise quarterback and need to lock him up long term.
RB- Ray Rice might be the most complete running back in the NFL. He is one of the best in terms of running and catches, and his blocking is solid. However Ray Rice is a free agent and he is the Ravens number one priority and is expected to be back long term. One question is the depth behind Rice especially with Ricky Williams retiring. Look for them to draft a running back in the mid rounds.
WR- This unit was solid with its share of over and under achievers. Torey Smith surprised everybody and had a very good rookie season. While Lee Evans brought in to be the deep threat was a huge disappointment and was injury prone all year. The only consistent player was Anquan Boldin. They will likely look for a possession receiver in the mid rounds.
TE- Two young tight ends in Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson. Dickson has had his moments, but so far Pitta has been more of a disappointment. They will look for a veteran blocking tight end in free agency to compliment those tight ends.
OL- They might be the best o-line in the NFL. Without question the main reason why the running game was so successful. Coming into a year there were questions about the o-tackles especially following the really disappointment year that Michael Oher had in 2010. They moved Oher back to right tackle and signed Bryant McKinnie. A big concern is that Ben Grubbs is a free agent and is expected to be back long term. Also Matt Birk and Andre Gurode are free agents. Look for one of them to be back. As good as McKinnie was last year his weight concern will force the Ravens to draft an o-tackle early. Also in the mid to late rounds for them to take a center.
DL- They are not the best in the NFL, but are very solid led by Haloti Ngata. They are very versatile as Cory Redding and Ngata can be run stuffers and rush the quarterback. There only true concern is depth at nose tackle. If they lost Terrence Cody to an injury they would be forced to move Ngata to the nose. Look for them in the mid rounds to draft a nose tackle.
LB- Ray Lewis is arguably the greatest Middle Linebacker in NFL history. But what makes him so remarkable is that he is still playing at an all pro level still. They are still looking for his successor, although Jameel McClain did a solid job especially when Ray was injured. Outside of Terrell Suggs the Ravens had no outside pass rush. A big concern is Jarrett Johnson is a free agency. As long as he doesn't get a crazy offer he should be back. Look for them early to draft an outside pass rusher.
DB- One of the biggest improvements on this Ravens team was the cornerback position. Ladarius Webb had a great all pro year and maybe only Revis had a better season. Because of this they were able to give more help to the other corners. Safety is still is a small concern. Outside of Ed Reed they don't have any coverage safeties. Webb is a restricted free agent and might not get his long term deal now, but by training camp he should have that deal signed. Look for the Ravens to look in the mid to late rounds for a safety that may be able to replace Reed.