Baltimore Ravens Preview With Ebony Bird

Aug 15, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) looks on during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at M

3. Which rookie(s) on the team will make an immediate impact?

The ravens have four potential impact rookies. Their first three draft picks(Matt Elam, Arthur Brown, Brandon Williams) are all potential starters or at least heavy role players, and late rounder Kyle Jusczcyk(hereby referred to as “juice”), is a potential c-factor for the offense. Elam is almost garunteed to start and Brown has about and 85% chance. Williams is a bit longer of a shot, maybe 40%. Juice will start because he is the only fullback on the roster, but how much play time he actually sees is a big question.

4. Which player(s) on the roster is the most underrated?

Daryl Smith. Smith was a completely unheralded an under the radar signing deep into the free agency period, but he might be the best linebacker on the roster and he could end up paying huge dividends for the Ravens. Smith should be considered a starter or a heavy rotation player and he might be the best non-rookie value on the entire team.

5. Prediction for the season?

The Ravens will be better on both offense and defense than they were last year (they were middle of the pack in both categories). Under new(sort of) offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell I expect the Ravens to field a top 10 offense that focuses heavily on 2 TE sets. On defense they should be much faster and healthier. At worst try should still be a top 15 unit. The Ravens should be battling the bengals for a division crown and a playoff spot. They may not be super bowl favorites, but they should at least be in the mix. 11-5 regular season and at least one playoff win, just like every other season under John Harbaugh.