Every season, there's a player who rises from having nearly no role to one of prominence.
Last year, tight end Dennis Pitta went from having one catch in his rookie season to 40 catches for 205 yards and three touchdowns. Nose tackle Terrence Cody went from one start and 13 tackles to 16 starts and 34 tackles.
The process of taking that step into the limelight begins now, during the summer OTAs and camps.
Here are five players, excluding rookies, who could make a splash in 2012:
RB Anthony Allen2011 Stats:5 games, 3 rushes, 8 yards
Allen has a good shot at the backup running back spot this year. The 2011 seventh-round pick spent much of last season trying to adjust to a totally different running style than he had in college, but he has the tools. Allen is a strong runner who could be a good third-down back that can pick up short yardage, catch the ball out of the backfield and pass protect.
WR Tandon Doss
2011 Stats: 6 games, 0 receptions
A fourth-round pick with a recommendation from quarterback Joe Flacco, Doss spent his rookie year learning behind Anquan Boldin. He has one of the best sets of hands on the team, but he must show he can beat man coverage and get open. Doss will compete with Jacoby Jones for the No. 3 wideout spot.
OLB Sergio Kindle2011 Stats: 2 games, 0 tackles
The Ravens' top pick in the 2010 draft has yet to make his impact felt after suffering a fractured skull before his NFL career ever began. He took a big step in his return last year simply by returning to the field. Now he's going to have to make an impact on special teams and as a pass rusher to cash in on his great potential.
T/G Jah Reid
2011 Stats: 16 games
Reid spent most of last year on the sidelines, only occasionally used as an extra blocker in jumbo packages and briefly stepping in as an injury replacement. But this year he's up for the starting left guard spot, and even if he doesn't get that, he would likely be the top reserve at tackle.
QB Tyrod Taylor
2011 Stats: 3 games, 1 attempt, 1 completion, 18 yards; 1 run, 2 yards
Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron occasionally slipped Taylor into the game late in the season, but he could get more opportunity to show off his wheels and unique skill set this year. The Ravens added Curtis Painter to the quarterback mix, which if kept on the roster, could free up Taylor for more opportunities without injury being as much of a concern.
