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'We Got Tougher'

Team Selected Players From School Of Hard Knocks

How The Ravens' Picks Stack Up

Nfl Draft 2009

April 28, 2009|By Jamison Hensley , jamison.hensley@baltsun.com

Tight end: : Todd Heap hasn't clicked in Cam Cameron's offense. L.J. Smith, a free-agent addition, hasn't played a full season since 2006. Quinn Sypniewski is coming off season-ending knee surgery. Davon Drew, a fifth-round pick, could develop into another Daniel Wilcox. Grade: C:

Offensive line: : With Michael Oher, the Ravens are putting together a young and formidable offensive front. Matt Birk, a free-agent pickup, should seamlessly replace Jason Brown at center. The Ravens are also banking that right guard Marshal Yanda comes back from knee surgery. Grade: B+:

Defensive line: : Haloti Ngata is one of the premier defensive linemen in the NFL. The other starters, Trevor Pryce and Kelly Gregg, have something to prove. Pryce turns 34 in August, and Gregg is coming off knee surgery. Paul Kruger should make an immediate impact as a pass rusher. Grade: B:

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Linebacker: : The X-factor is whether Tavares Gooden can replace Bart Scott. The rest of the gang - Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Jarret Johnson - ranks among the best in the NFL. Lewis' leadership is key with the departure of defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. Jason Phillips, a fifth-rounder, is an intriguing prospect who plays with a Ravens mentality. Grade: A:

Cornerback: : Domonique Foxworth, the Ravens' top free-agent signing, will start alongside Fabian Washington. Samari Rolle and Chris Carr add valuable depth. Lardarius Webb could be a factor as a nickel back. Grade: B:

Safety: : Ed Reed remains one of the league's top playmakers even though he isn't at the top of his game physically. Dawan Landry should return to the starting lineup after missing 14 games with a spinal-cord concussion. Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura are rising backups. Grade: A-:

Kicking game:: Steve Hauschka will compete with undrafted free-agent Graham Gano from Florida State. There's very little experience. The capable Sam Koch returns as punter. Grade: C:

Overall: : The Ravens made strides in their areas of need, except wide receiver. That still leaves a gap between them and the Steelers. Grade: B:

More on

the Ravens' draft picks

inside

* Jamison Hensley grades the Ravens' roster. pg 4

* Ravens to add free-agent kicker Graham Gano of Florida State. pg 4

* How Marylanders fared. pg 4

@baltimoresun

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* For insider analysis of the draft and more on the Ravens' post-draft plans, go to /ravensinsider

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