Middle linebacker Ray Lewis and left offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden figure to hear their names called today, when the NFL announces its annual Pro Bowl selections.
The Ravens also are hopeful that outside linebacker Peter Boulware and safety Rod Woodson will earn recognition.
Boulware ranks first among AFC linebackers with 10 sacks. Woodson, a 13-year veteran playing his first season at safety, may earn his eighth Pro Bowl trip on the strength of a recent string of interceptions. His six interceptions are tops among AFC safeties.
Ogden and Lewis, the first two draft picks in team history, have played in each of the last two Pro Bowls, with Ogden starting both. Boulware, the team's top draft choice in 1997, went to his first Pro Bowl a year ago.
"Clearly, we have a track record with some people, like Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "I would think you'd have to look real hard at the year that Rod Woodson has had. The key is the interceptions. Plus, his name. And he has hurt enough people that I've got to believe he has a chance."
Woodson, a future Hall of Famer, has made the Pro Bowl as a cornerback and a kick returner. He moved from cornerback to free safety this year.
Woodson ranks second overall in the AFC in interceptions, and each of them has come against a different team during the past eight weeks. Woodson also is tied for the AFC lead with two interceptions returned for touchdowns.
Billick said Woodson has recovered nicely after some shaky moments early in the season at his new position.
"The biggest thing he's had to get by is Rod has always been one to try to do too much. At safety, that can kill you," Billick said. "He's picking his spots better now. I think the challenge of doing something new probably has a lot to do with the way he's playing."
Boulware has had a remarkable third season, considering he has played it largely with the use of only one arm.
Boulware played much of the 1998 season with a dislocated right shoulder. He then re-injured the shoulder at the end of the team's final minicamp in June.
Since the beginning of the season, he has worn a restrictive harness to protect the shoulder. Boulware plans to have surgery after the season, which would keep him from playing in Hawaii.
