Running back Ray Rice struggled with hip and thigh injuries for much of the year. That affected his ability to cut, make defenders miss and get yardage after contact. Backup Bernard Pierce dealt with a nagging hamstring injury for much of the season. Getting two healthy running backs at the start of next year could make a world of difference for the run game.

Jimmy Smith emerged as one of the league's best young cornerbacks as the season went on, slowing down the likes of Calvin Johnson and A.J. Green. Lardarius Webb will be more than a year removed from his 2012 ACL surgery. That means he should be even stronger in 2014. The Ravens could have one of the league's best cornerback tandems next season.

The Ravens found a gem in undrafted wide receiver Marlon Brown, and he could be even better next season. Brown finished second on the team with 524 receiving yards and tied Torrey Smith's franchise rookie record with seven touchdowns. He did all that despite missing much of the summer while he recuperated from knee surgery. Given more time to develop his game, Brown could turn into an even bigger weapon, particularly in the red zone.

As virtue of being the AFC North champions in 2011 and 2012, the Ravens have had to play the top competition from around the conference. After finishing in third place last year, the Ravens will theoretically get an easier slate. Instead of playing the Patriots or Broncos in 2014 had the Ravens won the division, they'll get the Dolphins and Chargers. Those are two good teams, but not historic powers like New England and Denver.

The Ravens aren't used to picking in the top half of the draft. They have the opportunity for the No. 16 spot if they win a coin flip at the combine against the Dallas Cowboys. Baltimore has always done an excellent job scouting and drafting, so it could haul in a very talented rookie class with higher picks this offseason.

First-round pick Matt Elam started 15 of the Ravens' 16 games this season, giving him valuable experience not many Ravens defensive rookies get. Jimmy Smith, Courtney Upshaw and Terrence Cody had to wait their turn. Elam didn't make as many plays as he wanted (one interception), but showed near the end of the year that he's a force when playing near the line of scrimmage. He led the Ravens in tackles in two of the final three games. Look for Elam to take the next step in 2014.

One player who emerged in 2013 was wide receiver Torrey Smith. Smith hauled in a career-high 65 passes for 1,128 yards and four touchdowns. He became a stronger route runner. Coaches talk about Smith improving every day in practice, and the wide receiver feels like he still left a lot of big plays on the field. If Smith can continue his progression and make some of those plays, he could become a dominant wide receiver in the NFL.

Kicker Justin Tucker said last offseason that his goal for 2012 was to not miss a single kick. He came close. Tucker missed just three all year and two came in the same game. He had a streak of 33 straight field goals at one point, the fourth-longest streak in NFL history.

While Joe Flacco said his knee didn't have any effect on the way he finished the season, it was clear watching him that he wasn't the same in the final two games as the previous 14. Flacco said he won't need surgery this offseason, so some needed relaxation should leave him in good standing entering next year. Flacco's doubters are out once again after he set a franchise record with 22 interceptions. Maybe Flacco will play better under those conditions.

Baltimore's offensive line was a large part of the unit's overall struggles in 2012. According to Head Coach John Harbaugh, all positions except right guard (Marshal Yanda) are up for competition. The Ravens may have their left tackle of the future in Eugene Monroe, who Harbaugh feels did enough to earn a long-term contract. Center Gino Gradkowski also gained valuable starting experience.