"The Competition" is a series that breaks down every Ravens*position battle leading up to training camp.
*
Returning Players
Matt Elam (5-foot-10, 200 pounds, second season)
Elam started 15 of 16 games last year and finished with 77 tackles, three passes defensed and an interception. He wasn't as much of a playmaker as he hoped, and was hard on himself after the season. Now Elam is shifting over to his more natural position at strong safety, and is taking more command of the back end of the defense. The move to strong safety should allow him to play closer to the line of scrimmage, where he excels at getting downhill and making tackles.* *
Jeromy Miles (6-2, 211, fifth season)
Miles played in 12 games last year and made an impact on special teams. He had eight special teams stops, tied for third on the team. Now Miles is trying to shape his career like former Ravens safety James Ihedigbo, who went from a special teams standout in Baltimore to a starter last season.* *
Anthony Levine (5-11, 203, third season)
Levine played in all 16 games last season and made 11 special teams stops, the second-most on the team behind linebacker Albert McClellan. After starting his career with the Green Bay Packers, Levine has found room on the Ravens' 53-man roster because of his special teams talents. He spent almost all of the 2012 year on injured reserve (shoulder).* *
Brynden Trawick (6-2, 225, second season)
The undrafted rookie made the 53-man roster last year because of his special teams work. Trawick made eight special teams tackles, tied for third with Miles and cornerback Chykie Brown. The Ravens cut him after Week 3, but brought him back six weeks later and kept him through the rest of the year. The big-bodied and fast Trawick needs to continue to polish his special teams game.* *
Omar Brown (5-11, 195, third season)
Brown is a playmaker in practice and in the preseason, but is waiting for his chance on Sundays. Brown had a fumble recovery and forced fumble last preseason. The year before, he notched an interception and recovery. He has a knack for being in the right spot at the right time. But after spending most of the past two years on the practice squad, he has to stand out on special teams to make the 53-man roster.
Newcomers
Darian Stewart (5-11, 214, fifth season)
The Ravens signed Stewart as an unrestricted free agent who was not retained by the St. Louis Rams. He struggled with injuries while in St. Louis, but was productive when on the field. The hard hitter started six games last year and made 36 tackles and added five pass deflections. Stewart has traditionally been a strong safety, but has converted to free safety in Baltimore.
Rookie
Terrence Brooks (5-11, 200)
The third-round pick out of Florida State is learning the game and should get more time with the first-team defense in training camp. Brooks has all the tools to succeed and perhaps become a starter this year. He was one of the fastest safeties in the draft, giving him good coverage speed, and is also a fearless hitter.
Frontrunners
Elam seemingly has the strong safety spot locked up. He's becoming an integral part of the Ravens' young secondary, and will need to continue to develop into more of an impact player.
The free safety position, however, should be one of the most interesting battles in training camp.
Stewart had the edge throughout organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp. He and Miles were those primarily running with the first team. Brooks has a lot of talent and should be the future starter, but he's going to have to prove that he's a better option now despite less experience.
