Baltimore Ravens Pick Up Rolando McClain

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.