Returning Players

Brennen Beyer (6-foot-4, 256 pounds, first season)
Matthew Judon (6-3, 275, second season)
Albert McClellan (6-2, 250, seventh season)
Za'Darius Smith (6-4, 275, third season)
Terrell Suggs (6-3, 265, 15th season)

Free-Agent Signings

Boseko Lokombo (6-2, 225, first season)

Rookies

Tyus Bowser (6-3, 250, Houston)
Tim Williams (6-3, 245, Alabama)

Projected Starters

Suggs will anchor one spot. While Suggs is in the twilight of his career, he's still highly productive (eight sacks) and a major leader on and off the field. He feels in better shape than usual after spending the offseason training at the Under Armour Performance Center. The other starting spot is up for grabs after the Ravens parted ways with Elvis Dumervil. Judon showed a lot of potential as a rookie with four sacks, and he'll see more snaps this season. The second-round pick, Bowser, will also contend for that spot as an all-around linebacker who is smooth dropping in coverage and quick getting after the quarterback.

Key Role Players

If needed, McClellan can step in anywhere and play. He's a physical veteran who can set the edge. Williams will likely be used as a pass-rush specialist while he develops the rest of his game. He was one of the best at getting after quarterbacks in college football last year. Smith is also an experienced player (four starts last year) looking to rebound after a drop-off in production as a sophomore.

Most Anticipated Battle

The starting position opposite Suggs is a critical position battle to monitor in training camp. Judon took a lot of the snaps with the first-team defense over the summer and may have the edge, but that position is likely going to see a lot of jersey numbers. The Ravens have an excess of talent, and Smith will be looking to find where he fits into the mix. Beyer has grown into a solid player after two seasons on the practice squad.