Depth at the defensive tackle position might have some observers thinking that Brandon McKinney is on the outside looking in.
But McKinney, who was signed by the Ravens on Oct. 8 after he was released by the San Diego Chargers, said he is eager to become a major contributor now that he has been a part of the defense for almost 10 months. The Ravens signed McKinney to a three-year deal in February.
"That makes me want to come out and work harder and work on my technique and get the defense down pat," he said. "I do know it all now. I should be able to play more this year by knowing the whole defense. I didn't know the whole defense last year after coming into the middle of the season."
McKinney made his first appearance in the team's loss to the Indianapolis Colts Oct. 12 and played in 10 more regular-season and three postseason contests.
McKinney, who registered 19 tackles including 12 solo stops, is bigger and stronger than he was last season. He's up to 360 pounds, adding mass to last season's playing weight of 324. He said his target weight is 345, but he doesn't want to shed pounds at the expense of losing his power.
With the presence of Kelly Gregg, Haloti Ngata, Justin Bannan and Dwan Edwards, McKinney knows the task of making an impression on the coaching staff lies on his shoulders.
"I don't try to do everything, but I try to make the plays I'm supposed to make," he said. "Those are some good players in front of me, and I give them all the credit in the world. I always watch the people in front of me. I watched [Chargers three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle] Jamal [Williams] out in San Diego. So I'm just waiting my turn. But when I get my chance like I did last year, I've got to show up."
Oher's the starter
Even though first-round pick Michael Oher has been anointed as the starting right tackle, Oher was supposed to be challenged by Adam Terry. Terry, however, is still recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, and he said Friday that the knee wasn't responding as he had hoped.
"I intended to be out there for the first day of practice, and it's a setback," said Terry, who had been scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging exam Friday night. "No matter how it turns out this year, Michael and I are supposed to push each other. It's competition to make the line better. But it's not done yet. So we'll know pretty soon."
No break for Bannan
