"I know what I need to work on, and that's to improve my run-blocking abilities," Barnes said. "This season, I've added about 10 pounds, and I'm over the 250-pound mark. This is a good opportunity for me because I can show what I can do.
"I've matured a lot, and basically, this is not much different from a year ago. But at practice, the tempo is a lot faster and the head coach is more into it.
"It's a challenge, but it's a good challenge in terms of learning to become more of a complete player."
Jones has always been a complete player, but he hasn't been able to stay at one position for long. He was a defensive end and outside linebacker at Southeast Missouri State but was not drafted.
He signed with the Ravens as a free agent last summer, and the Ravens moved him to inside and outside linebacker. At 6-3, 263 pounds, Jones is the prototype.
He is big and physical enough to play inside, and quick and fast enough to play outside. He has already been compared to Adalius Thomas, the former Ravens Pro Bowl outside linebacker who's now with the New England Patriots.
"I've been at the strong-side position as well as the rush position," Jones said. "I did a lot of conditioning before I came to camp, and I'm glad I did because I've been taking a lot of reps. But it's been good though, because I'm learning two positions and going back and forth.
"I'm way ahead of last year, feeling more confident. Last year was harder, more difficult. I'm more comfortable. Now, I just got to put my head in the playbook more."
Jones played in only four games last season, but he and Barnes might be called into action early, especially if Suggs doesn't report in good shape. The Ravens have a game plan, and these two young backups should be able to turn in consistent efforts.
mike.preston@baltsun.com
