This is the sixth part of the offseason series that is focusing on the Baltimore Ravens' position groups as they continue organized team activities (OTAs). This post will look at the Ravens' defensive line.
Returning: DE Chris Canty*, NT Brandon Williams*, DT Timmy Jernigan*, DE Brent Urban, DE Lawrence Guy (re-signed), DT Christo Bilukidi (re-signed), DE Kapron Lewis-Moore, DL DeAngelo Tyson, DT Casey Walker and DE Steven Means
Newcomers: DL Carl Davis (third round)
Departures: DT Haloti Ngata (traded to the Lions), NT Terrence Cody (cut)
Roster spots likely available: Six or seven
Competition: Canty vs. the young guys for starting defensive end job. Canty was re-signed after being let go for salary-cap purposes. He is a good leader and he held up well against the run. But Canty is going to have to hold off some talented young linemen if he wants to remain an NFL starter for a 10th consecutive season. Davis, the team's top draft pick on defense this year, could potentially end up at defensive end. Urban, a fourth-round pick from a year ago, is a prototypical end if he can rebound from a season-ending knee injury. Guy and Lewis-Moore are also candidates as well. If Canty doesn't start, the Ravens' first-team line would consist of three players under the age of 27.
Outlook: The big question is how the Ravens fill the void left by Ngata, the five-time Pro Bowl lineman who was traded after the sides couldn't agree on a restructured deal. Since drafting Ngata in 2006, the Ravens had allowed the second-fewest rushing yards in the NFL over the past nine seasons. There's confidence in Jernigan after he stepped in for Ngata during his four-game suspension and the Ravens went 3-1 in Ngata's absence. Baltimore has quality depth. It's just not proven depth. Outside of Canty and Williams, no one has started more than four games in a season. Guy was an underrated pickup during last season. Tyson has shown flashes in the past. And Lewis-Moore is looking to contribute after spending the past two seasons on injured reserve. How the Ravens fare up front will depend on the amount of growing pains within this group.
* Projected starter
Previous offseason reviews: Quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, wide receivers and offensive line