Jun 11, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers Brian Rolle (47) and LaMarr Woodley (56) participate in agility drills during minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley said that the Baltimore Ravens wouldn’t win a Super Bowl “in this lifetime.” Partially because Woodley felt the Ravens could never get past their division rival the Steelers, who have played in 3 Super Bowls in the past decade.

“I don’t take it back at all,” Woodley said when asked by Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. “As a player on any team, you’re never going to say your rival is going to win the Super Bowl. That’s knocking you out of the tournament that year. Somebody on their team pretty sure would say that as well. That’s the nature of what it is. A lot of people don’t understand. They’re going to take it the way they want to take it.”

Woodley’s Steelers didn’t even make the playoffs and have a chance to stop the Ravens. And really Lamarr Woodley said this before the “not gonna happen in this lifetime part.”

“No, not at all because they have to go through one team — that’s the Pittsburgh Steelers in that AFC championship. So in order for them to get to the Super Bowl, they have to beat us, and we’re not gonna let that happen once we get that close.”

But the Ravens did have to go through Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. So it isn’t like they waltzed in.

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

JaMarcus Russell has a workout with the Bears on Friday and now there is talk that there may be interest from the Baltimore Ravens as well (USA Today). This also could be some handy work from Russell’s agent, trying to create an image that people want him.

Before the draft, Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta was optimistic that Russell would find work this offseason:

“He’ll get another shot,” DeCosta said. “The guy throws the ball better than most quarterbacks. He played at a high level in college. Guys have had second shots and really benefited. If he works hard and rededicates himself, his future is very bright.” – USA Today

The try-outs are coming. Now can he crack an NFL roster? Time will tell. There are a lot of bad quarterbacks around the NFL, why not give a former number 1 draft pick a chance?

May 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is interviewed after organized team activities at the Under Armour Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens visited the White House today in the annual pilgrimage for champions. Head coach John Harbuagh took the opportunity to participate in a different NFL summer tradition. Throwing your teams hat in the Super Bowl conversation.

“I want you to know we have plans to be here next year, too,” Harbaugh told President Obama, via the Baltimore Sun.

President Obama took the opportunity to praise coach Harbaugh.

“I want to congratulate John Harbaugh, an outstanding coach,” Obama said.

“Joe was named the game’s MVP,” Obama said. “Good timing with that contract, huh?”

Obama is making light of quarterback Joe Flacco’s decision to turn down a contract extension before last season. After leading his team to a Super Bowl and a second Vince Lombardi Trophy for the NFL Franchise and a Super Bowl MVP as well, he got a contract extension he liked.

A six-year $120 million deal.

That’s putting your money where your mouth is.

But the Ravens will have a tougher road back to the Super Bowl. They’ve lost defensive leaders like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to retirement and free agency. They lost wide receiver Anquan Boldin on offense to their Super Bowl opponents the San Francisco 49ers.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens fans celebrate after a victory against the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens will travel to Washington D.C. today to meet with President Barack Obama. After their meeting at the White House with our Commander-In-Chief, Ray Lewis and most of the guys who were on the Super Bowl winning roster, will receive their rings. Except for a few.

It really isn’t that big of a deal, I mean, a couple players who were on that winning team ended up leaving to other teams. But the ones who said they weren’t able to make it so far, are safety Bernard Pollard, wide receiver Anquan Boldin and corner-back Cary Williams. Just because they won’t be able to attend, doesn’t mean they aren’t proud of their former teammates in what they accomplished all accomplished last season.

Boldin sent out a couple tweets on Monday letting fans know that he will not be able to attend the teams trip with the White House. He didn’t mention why, but I’m positive it has to do with off-season activities with the rest of his new team. A team he helped defeat in Ray Lewis’ final game.

Unfortunately I’m going to miss a great opportunity to be with my Super Bowl team at the White House.

— Anquan Boldin (@AnquanBoldin) June 3, 2013

I know those guys will proudly share our Super Bowl memories and unforgettable moments on my behalf.

— Anquan Boldin (@AnquanBoldin) June 3, 2013

I wonder if he gives the rest of the roster who played in that game a tough time? I mean, as soon as he receives his ring, he may wear it to let his teammates see how it looks to have a ring on your finger. Close, but no cigar San Francisco. He will also miss the Baltimore Ravens ring ceremony on Friday, which should be attended by both Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

Maybe there may be another Ray Lewis dance in store for those who attend that ring ceremony on Friday. I just remembered we won’t see Ray on that Baltimore defense this season, definitely going to be weird.

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