*"The Competition" is a BaltimoreRavens.com series that will review and break down every position leading up to training camp. *
Returning Players
Arthur Jones (6-foot-3, 313 pounds, third season): Jones started to make a name for himself last year, playing in 14 games as a defensive tackle and defensive end. Jones started one game at end and finished the season with 18 tackles. This offseason, he's spent more time playing defensive end and said recently that he loves the move to the outside.
Pernell McPhee (6-3, 280, second season): Last year's fifth-round pick was one of the surprises of the season, as he finished second on the team behind Terrell Suggs with six sacks. The pass rusher also had 23 tackles and one forced fumble. Expectations are elevated for McPhee heading into his second season, as he's now competing for a starting job as an every-down player. He has battled an injury this offseason, which has kept him out of practice, but expects to be ready to go by the time training camp opens next month.
Free-agent acquisitions
Ryan McBean (6-6, 305, fifth season):The Ravens added the veteran defensive lineman after a career-year last season with the Denver Broncos. He primarily played nose tackle for Denver, but the 6-foot-5, 305-pound lineman has been working at defensive end this offseason. He has shown quickness and strength during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp, and is making a strong case for a roster spot despite having to miss the first three games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancement policy.
Rookies
DeAngelo Tyson (6-2, 315, Georgia): The seventh-round draft pick has played end and tackle since coming to Baltimore and is expected to compete for a roster spot. Assessing defensive linemen is difficult at this time of the season because the practices are non-contact, so training camp will be a key opportunity for Tyson to show he belongs on the active roster.
Terrence Moore (6-3, 290, Nebraska):The Ravens signed Moore as an undrafted free agent this offseason. The Nebraska product started seven games during his senior season, recording 20 tackles, one interception and a sack.
Position Battle
The early indication is that Jones, McPhee and McBean will compete to replace last year's starter Cory Redding, who left during free agency. The key for all three players is showing the ability to defend the run and the pass, as the Ravens' defensive end position does much more than just chase after quarterbacks.
Regardless of who ends up winning the starting job, the Ravens will likely rotate a number of players throughout games, like they did last year with Redding, Jones and McPhee. With McBean's suspension at the start of the season, that could be an opportunity for a rookie like Tyson to get some reps and possibly earn a spot in the rotation.
