Dan Cody

BIG SURPRISE When the Ravens drafted Colorado tight end Quinn Sypniewski in the fifth round in April, they knew the 6-foot-6, 270-pound Sypniewski could block. But so far in training camp, he has been catching everything thrown his way, including a diving reception of a 30-yard pass from quarterback Kyle Boller. If he continues to play well, Sypniewski makes the roster. PICKED OFF Cornerback Samari Rolle made a short McNair pass disappear, and 50 yards later he had what would have been a touchdown in a game.

3 GOALS Get Steve McNair comfortable in the offensive system The Ravens will be walking a fine line throughout camp. They want McNair to absorb the offensive scheme as quickly as possible, but they don't want to wear out the 33-year-old quarterback. The clock is ticking: 45 days until the season opener. Make sure Ray Lewis is fully recovered from a hamstring injury Even though he is no longer the most dominant defensive player in the NFL, Lewis remains the most important player on the Ravens' defense.

One reason the Ravens drafted Dan Cody in the second round a year ago was his endless pursuit of the quarterback. Still, it took Cody's recovery from major knee surgery to realize how relentless he truly is. Ravens rookie camp Saturday-Monday, Ravens training complex (closed to public)

Peter Boulware is expected to work out for the Ravens next week, a league source said yesterday. The Ravens are looking to add depth at strong-side linebacker, where starter Adalius Thomas (hyperextended knee) is day-to-day and backup Dan Cody (severe knee sprain) is likely done for the season. Jarret Johnson, a backup defensive end, will start at linebacker in tomorrow's preseason opener. Boulware, a four-time Pro Bowl player, would be a solid fit because he could rotate with Thomas at outside linebacker in the team's regular defense and play rush end opposite Terrell Suggs in passing situations.

The Ravens face the usual crunch of having to sign four draft picks before players report to training camp Sunday. But this year, time is on the Ravens' side. With only the Philadelphia Eagles starting camp later than the Ravens, there is more immediacy for the rest of the league to sign their picks. That means the market value of the Ravens' picks will be established this week through "slotting" (basing deals on what the player in front of your pick and the player behind him received)