MASNsports.com is your online home for the latest Orioles and Nationals news, features, and commentary. And now, you can connect with MASN on every digital level. From web and social media to our new mobile alert service, MASN has got all the bases covered.
Get the latest breaking news direct to your phone with our mobile texting service.
The position-by-position breakdown continues this morning with one of the Ravens' top areas of strength - the running backs and fullbacks.
The Ravens had an all-Pro Bowl backfield last year with Ray Rice and Le'Ron McClain, and have solid depth behind their starting duo as well.
Here are the guys who will make up the backfield in training camp:
RB Ray Rice, 5-8, 205 pounds, 3rd NFL season
Where he stands: Where does Ray Rice stand? Oh, as one of the top-five all-around running backs in the league, that's all. No big deal. Rice's slashing yet powerful running style netted 1,339 yards on the ground last year, and his 702 receiving yards (on a team-leading 78 receptions) were far and away the most of any running back in the league. He finished second in the NFL in yards from scrimmage, and despite his small stature, proved that he can shoulder the majority of the workload for the Ravens' running attack.
What must be done: Keep doing what he's doing. It would be hard to envision Rice having that much stronger of a year in 2010 than he did in '09, but you never know with this guy. Rice is an incredibly hard worker both on the field and off, and despite his early success, he has the drive to get better.
FB Le'Ron McClain, 6-0, 260 pounds, 4th NFL season
Where he stands: The two-time Pro Bowl fullback has launched a presidential-style campaign, entitled "McClain 4 RB", aiming to get more carries in 2010. The former Crimson Tide back led the Ravens in rushing in 2008, but he got just 46 carries last season and now has the itch for more touches. In the blocking department, McClain has done well opening holes for Rice and Willis McGahee.
What must be done: While McClain's campaign is half a joke, it's been successful in that he's made it known to head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron that he wants the ball more if they're willing to give it to him. Whether that happens remains to be seen. In the meantime, McClain needs to keep on trucking as a lead blocker...and keep trucking defenders that get in his way.
RB Willis McGahee, 6-0, 232 pounds, 8th NFL season
Where he stands: Rice's backup. McGahee could probably start for quite a few teams around the league, but here in Baltimore, he's the clear No. 2 behind the Rutgers product. That said, he has settled into that role nicely, and as one can tell by his 14 total touchdowns last year, he's become a big-time red zone threat. McGahee serves as a nice complimentary back to Rice and can spell the Ravens' starter when he needs a breather.
What must be done: McGahee would obviously like to be the starting running back, but he has said all the right things publicly, and graciously has served as somewhat of a mentor to Rice. If he can keep that positive attitude and stay out of the trainer's room, a bunch of red zone touches will still be there for him.
RB Jalen Parmele, 5-11, 220 pounds, 3rd NFL season
Where he stands: Parmele ended the 2009 season as the Ravens' kickoff returner, and will hope to secure that gig again in 2010. He averaged an impressive 31.4 yards per return during two regular season games, but those numbers dropped in the postseason, where he only averaged 19.4 yards per return. Parmele will have a good bit of competition for the return job, but has the experience from last season under his belt, which should help. His knowledge of other special teams aspects will work in his favor as well.
What must be done: Run far on kickoff returns. Parmele's best shot at making the 53-man roster is if he can secure the return job, so he really needs to impress in that role in practices and preseason games.
RB Matt Lawrence, 6-1, 204 pounds, 2nd NFL season
Where he stands: Lawrence was one of the Ravens' unheralded special teams gurus last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in November. He will be healthy and ready to go for training camp.
What must be done: Stay healthy, first and foremost. Lawrence is a jack-of-all-trades on special teams and can be a steady reserve running back as well, but the UMass product needs to keep that knee in good shape to have a shot at a roster spot.
RB Curtis Steele, 6-0, 190 pounds, Rookie
Where he stands: As an undrafted rookie coming into a very deep running back corps, Steele has his work cut out for him in training camp. He does have talent, however, as evidenced by his back-to-back 1,200+ yard rushing seasons at Memphis the last two years.
What must be done: Show off the burst that he exhibited in minicamps, and hope for the best. Steele has a lot of guys in front of him on the depth chart, so he needs to make the most of whatever touches he gets in camp.
FB Mike McLaughlin, 6-0, 245 pounds, Rookie
Where he stands: A linebacker at Boston College, the undrafted rookie is in the middle of a position change with the Ravens. McLaughlin last played fullback in high school, but the bruising hitter has the perfect temperament for the role of a lead blocker. As the only other fullback on the roster behind McClain, he has a chance to make a name for himself.
What must be done: McLaughlin's favorite word whenever I would talk to him during minicamps was "learning", and that's what he needs to continue to do. The better that he knows the playbook and the more it becomes second-nature to him, the more he can do what he does best - go out and just hit people. If McLaughlin doesn't make the 53-man roster, the practice squad might be a nice fit for him.
