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You might be familiar with one of the Ravens' starting inside linebackers.
He wears No. 52, went to the University of Miami, and does a little dance when he runs out of the tunnel before games. Sound familiar?
Ray Lewis is still the signature name of the Ravens' linebacking corps, but he's got a host of experienced guys who will line up next to him at the other inside spot at one point or another this year.
Here is how the Ravens look at inside 'backer going into camp:
Ray Lewis, 6-1, 250 pounds, 15th NFL season
Where he stands: Need I say anything? We all know the impact that Ray Lewis has had on the Ravens organization, both on and off the field, over the last 14 years. He might now be 35-years-old, but Lewis hasn't lost much of a step. Last year, the 10-time Pro Bowler led the team with 164 tackles (his 11th season with at least 150) and he remains the physical and emotional leader of the defense.
What needs to be done: Nothing. Lewis will show up and put in 100 percent every day. He's the least of the Ravens' concerns.
Dannell Ellerbe, 6-1, 243 pounds, 2nd NFL season
Where he stands: Ellerbe made the roster out of training camp last year as an undrafted free agent, and by Week 15, he had locked up a starting job next to Lewis. He was very impressive down the stretch and in the playoffs, and while the coaching staff will claim that he has yet to earn the starting gig for 2010, Ellerbe enters training camp as the heavy favorite.
What needs to be done: Continue to be a physical force near the line of scrimmage and improve on his mobility and quickness. If Ellerbe can work on turning and running in coverage, he could turn into a high quality inside 'backer.
Tavares Gooden, 6-1, 242 pounds, 3rd NFL season
Where he stands: Gooden started 12 games last year, but injuries really slowed him down. The 2008 third-round pick has exceptional speed and a lot of promise, but concussions and a groin injury sidelined him at various points throughout the season. He needs to have a strong camp this year.
What needs to be done: Stay on the field. If healthy, Gooden will rotate in with Ellerbe and others. His speed and athleticism make him an interesting guy to watch, even if he hasn't quite lived up to his potential to this point.
Brendon Ayanbadejo, 6-1, 225 pounds, 8th NFL season
Where he stands: Ayanbadejo is coming off a quadriceps injury which ended his 2009 season after just four games. The injury came at a horrible time last year, as the special teams ace was just starting to make a major impact on the defensive side of the ball. He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in a Week 3 win over the Browns, then got his first start in Week 4 at New England, which is when he was injured. He is still recovering from the quad injury and might not be fully healthy at the start of camp.
What needs to be done: Take his time with his rehab and get back healthy. Ayanbadejo might be recovering slower than he would like, but he needs to be patient and return only when he's ready. When he's 100 percent, B.A. is a force on special teams, and can provide a spark as a nickel linebacker.
Jameel McClain, 6-1, 250 pounds, 3rd NFL season
Where he stands: Since making the team as an undrafted free agent in 2008, McClain has done well in a reserve roll. He appeared in all 16 games last year with one start, seeing action both from scrimmage and in a special teams role. He's a smart player with a good motor who the coaches are fond of.
What needs to be done: Continue to perform when given an opportunity. McClain doesn't have much of a realistic chance at winning the starting job inside next to Lewis, but he can continue to help out in a reserve role whenever called upon.
Jason Phillips, 6-1, 242 pounds, 2nd NFL season
Where he stands: Phillips, a fifth-round pick in '09, was placed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury before the final roster cuts last year. He spent the year rehabbing around the team, which has allowed him to get familiar with his teammates, coaches, and the playbook, but he's the low man on the totem poll entering camp.
What needs to be done: Number one: Show that he's fully healthy. Number two: Prove that he's the smart, instinctual, physical player the Ravens thought they got when they drafted him. Phillips has talent, but he needs to have a strong camp to leapfrog the more experienced guys above him.
