Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Rice told the Baltimore Sun, ”Now that guys know that I’m a threat out of the backfield, I got to use my hands a little more. I get pushed a lot coming out of the backfield, and that’s a sign of respect, but if I can get my hands and get out on pass routes and continue to get open for Joe Flacco.

The main point here is that Rice realizes that his immense success as a pass-catcher is obviously leading to more teams scheming against him and hitting him up in the backfield early and often on pass plays. Rice will not only have to be astute in holding onto the football once he makes the catch, but he will also have to use the traits that make him a successful running back in order to continue to get yardage after the catch. Defenses will continue to key in on Rice, and that means it’s going to be harder for him to get open and to get loose after making the reception.

Last season, Rice hauled in 61 passes, but that was actually the lowest in his career since his rookie season. Rice had 78, 63, and 76 receptions respectively in the three previous years, so the numbers seem to back up the fact that Rice is getting tougher looks in coverage from defenses.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Detailed view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet on the bench against the Denver Broncos during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With the #32 and final pick in the 1st round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens have selected Matt Elam out of Florida.

They lost Ed Reed to the Houston Texans and Matt Elam was a guy they were interested in drafting if he was available, so in a way it works out. A hard hitting defender, has the potential to play like Ed Reed (not saying he will be Ed Reed, just throwing that out there). Has speed and awareness he needs to be a play maker for this defense, possibly a future captain of this defense as time goes on. Great pick up by the Baltimore Ravens as the 1st round comes to a close.

2nd round begins tomorrow, starting off with the Jacksonville Jaguars if they do if fact decide to keep the #33 pick.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens take the field prior to facing the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The team that usually wins the Super Bowl gets to host the season opener the following season. That isn’t the case this year as the Baltimore Ravens go on the road to the Denver Broncos in the first week of the season.

This is a rematch of a dramatic Divisional Round playoff game. Other tough contests include the week 3 match up against the Houston Texans who got off to a hot start last season. They also face a very tough NFC North division hosting the Green Bay Packers in week 6 and the Minnesota Vikings in week 14. They travel to face the Chicago Bears in week 11 and the Detroit Lions in week 15.

• Sep. 5 at Denver Broncos (Thurs) 8:30p
• Sep. 15 Cleveland Browns 1:00p
• Sep. 22 Houston Texans 1:00p
• Sep. 29 at Buffalo Bills 1:00p
• Oct. 6 at Miami Dolphins 1:00p
• Oct. 13 Green Bay Packers 1:00p
• Oct. 20 at Pittsburgh Steelers 4:25p
• Oct. 27 BYE
• Nov. 3 at Cleveland Browns 4:25p
• Nov. 10 Cincinnati Bengals 1:00p
• Nov. 17 at Chicago Bears 1:00p
• Nov. 24 New York Jets 1:00p
• Nov. 28 Pittsburgh Steelers (Thurs) 8:30p
• Dec. 8 Minnesota Vikings 1:00p
• Dec. 16 at Detroit Lions (Mon) 8:40p
• Dec. 22 New England Patriots * 8:30p
• Dec. 29 at Cincinnati Bengals 1:00p

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (51)during the blackout against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Brendon Ayanbadejo has been one of the most outspoken gay rights activists in all of professional sports let alone the NFL. After winning a Super Bowl he was released dyring the offseason.

Obviously as professional sports hasn’t been accepting of the gay community as no players have been public with their orientation, this led many to believe that Ayanbadejo’s activism could have played a role in his dismissal from the Ravens.

But Ayanbadejo isn’t one of those people.

“No, not at all,” Ayanbadejo told 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, via Sports Radio Interviews. “I just was saying, basically, when there’s an issue that’s bigger than the NFL — and the issue of equal rights and human rights is far more important than the sport, and it always will be — when it’s issues like that that are touched upon, teams don’t want to touch issues like that, meaning the league as a whole. And they’ve yet to even address equal rights as far as the NFL’s been around.”

He also thinks that while it seems the NHL has been the most publicly supported equal rights, but despite the belief that the NFL hasn’t done anything Ayanbadejo disagrees.

“NHL just did it now and the other sports have done it here and there, but I think the NFL’s made the biggest splash, but as a whole in sports culture, we haven’t made a splash on this issue of equal rights.”

But while many think the locker room would be the biggest hurdle for a player coming out, Ayanbadejo points out the other hurdles.

“I think it would be easier in the locker room than it would be when you’re in an opposing stadium or when you’re out in public. You’ve got 60 guys in a locker room, pretty close-knit group — there definitely would be some bumps in the road, some things to talk about.”

It’s up to the public to be accepting, or maybe the gay community to be more involved in sports to make sure it’s a smooth transition. Either way it will happen one day according to Ayanbadejo.

“I think it’s gonna happen eventually, but I don’t think it’s gonna be as bad as people think. And the sooner we get through those walls, the easier it’s gonna be to transition out of it.”

Oct 13, 2012; Shreveport, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton (4) catches a touchdown over Texas A

26. Green Bay Packers – Quinton Patton, WR, LA Tech – The Packers are pretty stacked at Wide receiver with Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb.  But with Aaron Rodgers’ huge contract they decide to add a true outside receiver.  Carrying LA Tech to a 9-3 season and putting up major numbers against the newest SEC powerhouse, Texas A&M; Patton has the potential to be one of the most underrated WRs in the draft. 

27. Houston Texans – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson – The perfect fit for Houston at this point.  In college Hopkins orginally was Clemson’s #2.  When he got his opportunity with Watkins’ suspension, he proved that he could step it up and be the #1 threat.  This is the type of youngster the Texans should put next to Johnson to give this offense a much needed boost.

28. Denver Broncos – Kawann Short, DT, Purdue – Broncos build depth on their defensive line by taking Purdue’s Kawann Short.  In college Kawann was a team captain at Purdue and started for them since his freshman year, he’s shown great versatility in taking on different roles on the Boilermaker’s interior defensive line.  This makes for a great defensive player for a team who has the need like Denver to invest in for the long term.

29. New England Patriots – Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor – A great and very underrated WR in the draft this year, Williams proved to be productive even after Nick Florence came in to replace Griffin earning first team all american honors and leading the nation in receiving yards.  Also a great kick returner, Williams helps the Pats in multiple ways and impacts New England immediately.

30. Atlanta Falcons – Datone Jones, DE, UCLA - The Falcons take a defensive lineman with great potential to learn the pro game and eventually become a star with guidance from free agent signee Osi Umenyiora.  Datone has had his bumps in the road with injury but posted a spectacular senior season at UCLA making 19 TFLs and 6.5 sacks.  If you add his prototypical NFL size and versatility, he proves to be a very high ceiling project who has the chance to start and make an impact his rookie year in Atlanta.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Eric Reid, FS, LSU - The 49ers get their guy to replace Dashon Goldson in this super stout safety class.  Eric Reid is a former all-SEC free safety who since his freshmen year was a great contributor to the Bayou Bengals’ defense.  A player like this is the perfect guy for a coach like Harbaugh to take in and mold into a great pro.  Eric Reid goes from being a playmaker on one of the best college defenses to one on one of the best pro defenses.

32. Baltimore Ravens – Matt Elam, S, Florida – The Ravens are looking to replace either Lewis or Reed here and have a way better value at the safety position.  Matt Elam was a playmaker in the Gator defensive backfield making 76 tackles (11 TFLs), 1 forced fumble and 4 interceptions.  He is definitely a potential franchise defensive player who can help Baltimore renew their intimidation factor on defense and fill in for Ed Reed in the defensive backfield right away.

Oct 16, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain (55) reacts during the game against the Cleveland Browns at the O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Browns 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

I had the Baltimore Ravens as the #2 team of who I thought Rolando McClain could end up with after he was waived by the Oakland Raiders last week.

Before McClain can sign his name on a Baltimore Ravens contract on Friday, he must first pass his physical and is set to meet with General Manager Ozzie Newsome and head coach John Harbough. This is an excellent decision made by General Manager Ozzie Newsome as they look to keep their hopes of repeating as Super Bowl Champions this coming season. The deal is to be said to be a 1 year contract worth around $700,000 as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL.Com.

Rolando will have some big shoes to fill with the position he plays, having to come in and fill in the spot in which Ray Lewis played for the last 17 years. As long as their new additions to the team remain healthy, I think the Baltimore Ravens could make a strong push to becoming the top team in the AFC and possibly the league. I noted the additions of the team in previous articles about the Ravens, adding players such as Marcus Spears, Chris Canty, Elvis Dumervil and Michael Huff as Dannell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger and Reed found other homes across the AFC.

A young linebacker who has the chance to step up and show the Baltimore Ravens this season, that he can be the replacement for Ray Lewis that they are looking for. If all goes well and McClain can produce well, he could get signed to a long term contract next off season. I believe this defense will look as if they won’t miss a beat, although they are missing a few players who helped them reach their 2nd Super Bowl championship. This is another move that I am excited about seeing how it plays out. Once again, awesome decision by the front office of the Baltimore Ravens, I am one fan of this league who is excited to see how well this defense is going to do this upcoming season.

Now it will be interesting to see what they decide to do with their picks for the draft, which is in a couple weeks.

LB Rolando McClain officially has reached agreement with Ravens. Still needs to travel to Baltimore to undergo physical.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 10, 2013

August 23, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Richard Murphy (39) stiff arms Baltimore Ravens safety Christian Thompson (33) on his way to a touchdown in the fourth quarter at M

Baltimore Ravens let two safeties, Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard, walk away this off season. They’ve brought in Michael Huff, but their secondary has taken another hit as the NFL suspends 2012 fourth round draft pick, and safety, Christian Thompson four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

He finished last season on injured reserve with a knee injury and missed the postseason. He won’t be eligible for the 2013 season until after the 4th game of the season, via the Baltimore Sun.

“We have been aware of this situation for some time,” Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement.

But aside from the impact his absence will have on the Ravens, it will impact the second year player’s wallet as well. He will lose $112,941 of his $480,000 base salary. He makes $28,235 per game.

He mainly played on special teams in 2012 and there weren’t really plans to rely on him in the 2013 campaign, but with the transformation of the secondary this off season the opportunity was there to make an impression in training camp. He had no recorded statistics from last season.

This will be his second season of a 4 year $2.352 million dollar contract. He spent time at Auburn University before transferring to South Carolina State.

Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil (92) against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

After the Denver Broncos and Elvis Dumervil’s agent fumbled a contract situation resulting in his release from the team he signed with the reigning world champion Baltimore Ravens. But maybe it was a blessing in disguise that resulted in his arrival in Baltimore, and he went on WNST in Baltimore to introduce himself to the community.

“Obviously the Broncos were a first-class organization and obviously I was able to get to a first-class organization here in Baltimore, so there’s not much complaining I can really do about it. … Things happen. It’s business,” Dumervil said, via Sports Radio Interviews. “At the end of the day, I’m here, I’m proud to be with the guys.”

And he isn’t afraid to come in and lead a historically dominant Ravens defense that lost anchors in Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

“Personally, I think it starts with defense and I think that’s mainly what attracted me here. … The stadium, when the defense is on the field, it’s loud and it’s rocking. So I think when you have a good defense, it’s gives you a chance to win championships, win games with the end result to win a championship. With defense, you want to keep that going. I wouldn’t want to change that.”

But he doesn’t hold any ill will towards the Broncos for the mismanagement of his situation, and he’s found motivation in Baltimore.

“No ill will against the Broncos, but I think as a player, I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder. But obviously things happened, and the way they happened, at the end of the day, it is what it is. I’m definitely coming in here proving a point. Obviously sometimes you’ve got to reassure yourself to make everybody else know who you are. … You just show why you are who you are. To answer that question, most definitely I’m looking forward to this season.”

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Huff met with the Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers in this free agent period as well, and the Ravens have officially announced the signing of Huff today. The 30-year-old is a solid addition for the Ravens, who are looking to replace the consistency Ed Reed brought to the free safety position for a very long time.

While Huff definitely isn’t the household name that Ed Reed was, he is a very good safety in his own right and a solid pick-up for the Ravens overall. The Texas product will get a three-year deal from the Ravens, and they were able to sign him over several other teams (like the Tennessee Titans and St. Louis Rams) that were interested in Huff’s services.

He is a great addition for a Ravens team that sorely needed a safety after losing Reed to the Houston Texans, and Huff had a good career with the Raiders. A versatile defensive back, Huff even played at cornerback last season for the Raiders due to injuries, and he held his own in coverage at a position that wasn’t ideal for him. At safety, Huff should continue to be one of the better players in the league at the position, and it’s tough not to like this deal for the Ravens. There were no better alternatives, and Huff is a very good safety in his own right.

An important item to note is that Ozzie Newsome has always been a fan of Michael Huff, and this dates back to when Huff was coming into the draft in the mid-2000s out of Texas. Ravens fans are certainly thrilled to hear that the team has signed to star AFC West defensive players in Elvis Dumervil and Huff this week.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Anyway, it is especially interesting to hear new Houston Texans safety and future Hall of Famer Ed Reed talk about the business side of the game. Below is what he said to 105.7 The Fan CBS Baltimore.

“I didn’t expect this. Did I want it? No, I didn’t want it. But do I understand it? Yes I understand it. My heart really felt that we had an opportunity to do some special things because we had a core of people. I honestly didn’t know the true nitty-gritty of the business side of it. I didn’t know all the possibilities that would happen and transpired the last few weeks or so. I didn’t know all that would happen the way it did. That put things in perspective as well to let you know the team is kind of going in a different direction. Not rebuilding but in a sense rebuilding, to make different moves and it just wasn’t economically the best situation for me.”

Reed always maintained that he wanted to stay with the Baltimore Ravens and stay with the team for his career. There would have been something special in that- in the same way that Ray Lewis spent his entire career in Baltimore. But unfortunately, it was not to be. We can blame Joe Flacco for striving as hard as possible to become the highest-paid QB in the game, and we can blame the Ravens for allowing him to reach that. But is it right to blame the team or Flacco? Or is it just how the business goes?

It’s interesting to hear a veteran of the stature of Reed, especially keeping in mind how intelligent he is and how much of a leader he is. To hear Reed talk about how he didn’t know about the “true nitty-gritty of the business side” until now is a bit alarming, because this is a guy who seemingly understood that part of the game better than anyone. After all, Reed did represent himself as an agent up until hiring an agent this offseason. It’s telling, though, that he chose to hire an agent this offseason.

Pouring over that quote is a little bit sad, because I’m one of those fans who loves seeing a player stick with a team for his entire career. Ed Reed obviously wanted to do that, but it was not to be thanks to the business side of things. Hopefully, players like Tom Brady and Eli Manning can stay with their respective franchises for the entirety of their careers.

Ed Reed understood the business side of the game, but he didn’t understand the extent of how tough the NFL can be until he had to leave the Ravens this offseason.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.