And fans can get a first look at him – whoever he is – at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The first group of players checks in at Lucas Oil Stadium on Wednesday and the final one leaves Tuesday. It’s seven days of full-press scouting.

The NFL Network’s coverage of on-field workouts and drills (bench press, 40-yard dash, etc.) doesn’t begin until Saturday with the offensive linemen and tight ends. But the media’s coverage, including ours at BaltimoreRavens.com, starts Thursday.

Here’s the full schedule for the 327 players invited:

While fans don’t have much to watch until the weekend, there’s a lot of action going on behind the curtain beforehand.Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Prospects will go through interviews with teams’ coaches and talent evaluators. Each team is permitted 60 15-minute talks.

The players will also go through a litany of physical tests. They have a pre-exam and X-rays upon arrival, then get a full medical examination, including psychological testing, the next day.

Lucas Oil Stadium will be full of NFL executives and agents talking contracts. There are reports that the Ravens will meet with the agents of quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice.

Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome will be on the podium speaking to the press on Friday at 2:15 p.m., and will likely be asked for updates on free- agent negotiations.

Keep it locked on BaltimoreRavens.com and follow along on Twitter @Ravens for exclusive insight from Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta and Director of College Scouting Joe Hortiz.

Rookies know what it’s like competing in front of hundreds of scouts trying to prove they belong in the NFL, and last year’s class showed the Ravens front office enough to get their names called in April.

Take a look at how each of the Ravens’ draft picks performed last February, and for reference, here are the top performances in each workout category:

40-Yard Dash: 4.25 seconds
Bench Press: 49 reps of 225 pounds
20-Yard Shuttle: 3.88 seconds
Vertical Jump: 42.5 inches
Broad Jump: 135 inches
3-Cone Drill: 6.42 seconds

Note: The combine results are according to Scout Inc./ ESPN.com.

Cornerback Jimmy Smith (27th Pick)
40-Yard Dash: 4.42 seconds
Bench Press: 24 reps of 225 pounds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.06 seconds
Vertical Jump: 36.0 inches
Broad Jump: 123 inches
3-Cone Drill: 6.93 seconds

Wide Receiver Torrey Smith (58th Pick)
40-Yard Dash: 4.41 seconds
Bench Press: 19 reps
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.13 seconds
Vertical Jump: 41 inches
Broad Jump: 126 inches
3-Cone Drill: 6.72 seconds

Offensive Tackle Jah Reid (85th Pick)
40-Yard Dash: 5.32 seconds
Bench Press: 28 reps
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.65 seconds
Vertical Jump: 29.5 inches
Broad Jump: 111.0 inches
3-Cone Drill: 7.73 seconds

Wide Receiver Tandon Doss (123rd Pick)
40-Yard Dash: 4.50 seconds
Bench Press: 14 reps
20-Yard Shuttle: Did not participate
Vertical Jump: Did not participate
Broad Jump: Did not participate
3-Cone Drill: Did not participate

Defensive Back Chykie Brown (164th Pick)
40-Yard Dash: 4.49 seconds
Bench Press: Did not participate
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.00 seconds
Vertical Jump: 36.5 inches
Broad Jump: 120 inches
3-Cone Drill: 6.50 seconds

Defensive End Pernell McPhee (165th Pick)
40-Yard Dash: 4.91 seconds
Bench Press: 20 reps
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.59 seconds
Vertical Jump: 28.5 inches
Broad Jump: 107 inches
3-Cone Drill: 7.13 seconds

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor (180th Pick)
40-Yard Dash: 4.47 seconds
Bench Press: Did not participate
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.09 seconds
Vertical Jump: 37.5 inches
Broad Jump: 126 inches
3-Cone Drill: 6.78 seconds

Running Back Anthony Allen (225th Pick)
40-Yard Dash: 4.56 seconds
Bench Press: Did not participate
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.06 seconds
Vertical Jump: 41.5 inches
Broad Jump: 120 inches
3-Cone Drill: 6.79 seconds

Before the Ravens get a chance to look at the nation’s top college talent in Indianapolis, let’s see who the draft experts like the Ravens taking with the 29th pick.

For reference: MDM 1.0

ESPN, Mel Kiper
Posted Feb. 15.
C Peter Konz, Wisconsin
Junior; 6-foot-5, 348 pounds
“With Ray Lewis’ decision to come back for another year, the Ravens might be a little less desperate to find the next great linebacker, and can instead hit another big need. Matt Birk will need a replacement at center, and Konz is the best one in the draft. He’s like a good quarterback, picking up every blitz and stunt, and has the kind of smarts in calling out things that will really help the quarterback. The Ravens were a mess up front for portions of 2011 and will need to add help there.”

ESPN, Todd McShay
Posted Feb. 2
MLB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State
Junior, 6-3, 250 pounds; 63 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 interception
“Burfict is a physical freak with tremendous athleticism and explosive power. He’s a top-20 talent, but questions about his discipline on and off the field are hurting his stock. However, Burfict could contribute immediately and would benefit greatly from the leadership and guidance of Ravens MLB Ray Lewis. And you have to wonder whether the Ravens would press their luck and take another player with character flags after bringing CB Jimmy Smith into the fold last year.”

National Football Post, West Bunting
Posted Feb. 15
ILB Dont’a Hightower, Alabama
Junior; 6-4, 260; 3 sacks, 1 interception
“Hightower is a ‘plus’ run defender who can be used as a blitzer inside or a pass rusher off the edge. His versatility on third down gives the Ravens even more options in pressure situations.”

CBS Sportsline, Dane Brugler
Posted Feb. 20
C Peter Konz
“Fourteen-year veteran center Matt Birk is currently considering retirement. And if the former Pro Bowler decides to hang it up, this pick becomes a no-brainer if Konz is still on the board. He has the skills set to play any of the interior line positions and is clearly the top center in this draft.”

CBS Sportsline, Rob Rang
Posted Feb. 20
C Peter Konz
“Veteran Matt Birk has played reasonably well for the Ravens but is weighing retirement rather than returning for his 15th NFL season. Guard Ben Grubbs, a former first-round pick and arguably Baltimore’s most consistent offensive lineman when healthy, is scheduled for free agency. General Manager Ozzie Newsome won’t go through the 2012 draft without addressing the interior of his offensive line. Should Konz, a career center with enough size and athleticism to play guard if needed, still be on the board, the former Badger would make a great deal of sense.”

NFL.com, Chad Reuter
Posted Feb. 8
G Kelechi Osemele
Senior; 6-5, 337
“With center Matt Birk and guard Ben Grubbs both free agents, the Ravens will be looking to bolster the interior of their offensive line. Osemele’s massive 6-5, 350-pound frame, pure strength and tenacity should open holes for Ray Rice.”

NFL.com, Charley Casserly
Posted Feb. 15
C Peter Konz
“Konz will be Matt Birk’s replacement.”

FootballFutures.com, Robert Davis
Posted Feb. 6
MLB Vontaze Burfict
“Burfict would be considered a top-ten talent without questions about his attitude. He is a true game-changer when he is focused, but he is a bit of a loose cannon. There’s no better place for a youngster to have his head screwed on right than playing alongside Ray Lewis and Ed Reed as a rookie.”

WalterFootball.com
Posted Feb. 15
MLB Vontaze Burfict
“Ozzie Newsome indicated that he’ll be looking for Ray Lewis’ successor this upcoming April. Well, Vontaze Burfict makes sense for a number of reasons. He’s one of the best players available and fits the attitude of Baltimore’s defense. He can play next to Lewis right away, and Ozzie Newsome has taken chances on talented head-cases before.”

TheFootballExpert.com, Clint Clearwater
Posted Feb. 18
DE/OLB Nick Perry, USC
Junior; 6-3, 250; 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks
“The Ravens will probably be drafting the best player available this April. Nick Perry is a terrific pass rusher that will most likely go in the first round this April. He falls a little bit in this mock, but the Ravens won’t allow him to fall any further. They will be looking to add another pass rusher and Perry fits the bill. He’s big and surprisingly fast and has good technique. He has good value at number 29.”

In total, they’ll have 52 people cycle through Lucas Oil Stadium and their nearby hotel.

All 20 coaches will be in attendance, from Head Coach John Harbaugh to the newest coaches added over the past few weeks. For the coaches, it will be their first time seeing the players in live action.

Same as last year, Linebackers Coach Ted Monachino and Offensive Line Coach Andy Moeller will be on the field assisting in working out their specific position groups, giving the Ravens an in-depth look at those players.

The travel list also includes all of the team’s scouts from around the country, as well as chief personnel members General Manager Ozzie Newsome, Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta and Director of College Scouting Joe Hortiz.

Considering they’ve been looking at the players for the last few months on tape and live in games, they’re instrumental in the interviews with 60 different players for 15 minutes each.

The Ravens also send a large medical group (seven doctors and three trainers) who have the important task of looking at the prospects’ medical backgrounds to see if they are healed from college injuries or could be at risk for future complications.

Three members of the video operations staff and two from digital media (including yours truly) will be there documenting the action.

So stay tuned…

Plenty of wide receivers are set to hit the free-agent market in March, but there may be one in particular that fits Baltimore best.

The Ravens “need” to pursue Colts’ 33-year-old Reggie Wayne, says ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

Baltimore signed experienced stars to become the third-receiving option for quarterback Joe Flacco with T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Lee Evans in 2010 and 11, respectively, but neither produced as much as hoped.

“These moves would’ve been great if the Ravens were playing fantasy football five years ago,” wrote Hensley.

Wayne would be different, Hensley argues, because he is dependable and complements the skills of Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith. Not to mention, he could be an affordable option because of his age.

“He’s the most accomplished wide receiver in this free-agent class but there will be less competition for him than the younger and more explosive pass-catchers,” wrote Hensley.

“[He] can give Baltimore a legitimate third target at wide receiver, something [Flacco] has never had in four NFL seasons. He would fit perfectly in Baltimore because he is a more effective route-runner than Torrey Smith, is faster than Anquan Boldin and is more dependable than Evans.”

Wayne’s numbers dipped last season (75 catches for 960 yards) without Peyton Manning under center, but Hensley points out that he has averaged 94 catches and 1,246 yards over the past five seasons.

There will be a market competing for Wayne, or he may want to follow Manning wherever he goes. But Hensley says the Ravens have the “inside edge” over other teams because Wayne will want the chance to win the Super Bowl in his twilight years, plus his former college roommate, Ed Reed, could be an effective recruiter.

Hensley says the Ravens should pass on Vincent Jackson (character issues), DeSean Jackson (diva complex), Steve Johnson (not an elite receiver) and Randy Moss (a headache).

GM Acknowledged Steelers Can’t Tag Wallace. What’s He Worth?

For those of you who think bringing Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace to Baltimore is a good idea, you may be interested to know that the team’s general manager, Kevin Colbert, “pretty much acknowledged” that the organization is in no position to franchise him because of salary cap problems, writes Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Steelers are still approximately $10 million over the cap and it would cost more than $9 million to franchise Wallace.

Bouchette says the Steelers are willing to let Wallace test the market as a restricted free agent and decide if they want to match a potential contract offer or take a first-round pick to let him walk.

He argues that Wallace isn’t worth matching any offer higher than the tag price.

“Wallace is good, but not $10 million annually good,” he wrote. ”His first three seasons have been rocket-like, with him climbing higher and higher. However, in the middle of what seemed to be his best and record-setting season, Wallace fizzled. …

“Here’s the question the Steelers and other prospective suitors in free agency must determine: Did defenses figure out Mike Wallace finally as the one-trick pony that Mike Tomlin long declared he was? Wallace is at his best running the ‘go’ routes and outside flag patterns, where he has a chance to outrun someone. However, when faced with cover two defenses and safeties hanging deep, he’s not as effective. He does not seem to fight for the ball at times and even gives up on some when covered.”     

Eisenberg: Tag Not A Good Solution For Grubbs

It’s still considered a long shot, but even if the Ravens and running back Ray Rice manage to agree on a long-term deal before the franchise deadline on March 5, the team shouldn’t use it on guard Ben Grubbs.

At least, that’s what CSNBaltimore.com’s John Eisenberg says.

Of course, the team would do flips down 1 Winning Drive if they could keep Flacco, Rice and Grubbs, but not at any cost. Bringing back Grubbs via the tag is “unrealistic” because the cost is too high, says Eisenberg.

Usually, the franchise tag is determined by calculating the top five earners at each individual position, but the offensive line figures are unique because they combine the salaries of guards and tackles.

“While Grubbs mans one of football’s lower-paying positions, his tag price for 2012 (boosted by big contracts given to tackles) would be $9.4 million – way more than any team would pay for a guard,” wrote Eisenberg.

“The Ravens might still figure out a way to keep all three, but tagging Grubbs isn’t going to happen.”

Portis, Tomlinson As Backup In Baltimore?

While The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec suggests it’s still a possibility that Ricky Williams un-retires and returns to Baltimore, Eisenberg believes that Ravens are moving on.

Some of you are too.

A curious fan asked Hensley if the Ravens would be interested in signing other experienced backs like Clinton Portis or LaDainian Tomlinson.

The AFC North blogger didn’t rule either out, but thinks there’s a better option:

“In my time as the Ravens beat reporter, I learned two things: Never discount a former University of Miami player coming there (like Portis) or a player with a connection to a high-ranking coach (Tomlinson with Cam Cameron),” he wrote.

“I actually prefer the idea of Le’Ron McClain because he would serve three roles: backup tailback, backup fullback and special teams player.”

Quick Hits

• The Ravens’ defensive line was ranked second in the AFC North, behind the Bengals, because of faded results in the second half of the season. If soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Cory Redding doesn’t return, Pernell McPhee could take his spot in the starting lineup. [ESPN]

• Turns out, you can start betting on the combine … the online wagering site Bovada.lv will take your money on an assortment of wagers at the combine, including on who will run the fastest 40-yard dash. [CSNBaltimore.com]
• The Ravens will do more than scout their next generation at combine this week. [The Baltimore Sun]
• RavensInsider: For those asking, I think it’s unlikely the Ravens wind up with Mike Wallace. Ozzie Newsome hates giving up first-round pick. Rarely happens [Twitter]
• RavensInsider: The Ravens are currently at about $116.3 million against the projected 2012 salary cap of $120 million, per a league source [Twitter]

His agent is quoted as saying ”If the game is about wins and losses, he has to be in the top five.” Yes, Mr. Linta, this game is about wins and losses. Most games are. Unfortunately for the agent that is trying to break the Ravens back, his client doesn’t play golf or tennis.

Certainly an individual has an impact on a team, and I agree that quarterbacks have more than any other position. That is why they get paid a premium.

Whatever contract Flacco gets is going to be a nice haul. He will likely get more money than Ray Rice.

If you asked most Ravens fans if they would rather have Joe Flacco or Ray Rice, you probably wouldn’t get too many people clamoring for No. 5.

Heck, if you asked people if they would rather have Peyton Manning or Flacco, you would have more people looking to add a Hall of Famer QB in the twilight of his career.

You don’t have to even  bother to ask the defense which player is more valuable. They aren’t picking the player that sported a goofy mustache in the playoffs.

Flacco had a decent year, throwing for 3,610 yards and 20 INTs. He knocked off the Texans and put the Ravens in position to go to the Super Bowl by throwing for 306 yards against the Patriots.

Let’s not give him too much credit, though. We all know the Ravens are built on defense and running the football.

There is simply no way Flacco deserves top-five money. Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Eli Manning. Not paying him more than those guys.

Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger, Tony Romo, Cam Newton and Matt Ryan. That’s 10 QBs. Jay Cutler and Michael Vick.

Flacco is a top-15 guy, even though his passer rating ranked 18th, just behind Kevin Kolb. Sorry Flacco, but you and your agent need to stop sniffing paint fumes.

Also check out:

• Why Peyton Manning Isn’t Right for the Jets 
• Why the Colts Should Move on Peyton Manning

Read more Baltimore Ravens news on BleacherReport.com

But as Baltimore gets ready for the 2012 season, safety is a position with some uncertainly.

Reed is signed through next season and expected to return, but Ravens brass also acknowledged last month that he has not officially said he’ll be back.

Even with Reed returning, safeties Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura are both unrestricted free agents and could end up signing elsewhere. Strong safety Bernard Pollard is signed through next season and expected back as the team’s starting strong safety.

With the Ravens potentially losing Nakamura and/or Zbikowski, they could look for other veterans to bring in through free agency.

Here is a look at who might be available:

Tyvon Branch, Oakland Raiders
Unrestricted (5th Season); 25 years old; 6-foot-0; 205 pounds
2011 Season: 109 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception 
Branch is a budding star at safety for the Raiders, and they want to do everything possible to keep him in Oakland. There is talk that Branch could be a likely candidate for the franchise tag, especially if the Raiders decide not to franchise running back Michael Bush. If Branch is not franchised and ends up on the free-agent market, he will command top dollar as a strong safety. With Pollard signed through next year, it’s not likely the Ravens would pay big money for another strong safety.  
(Upside – Budding Star; Downside – Price)

Thomas DeCoud, Atlanta Falcons
Unrestricted (5th Season); 26; 6-2; 192
2011 Season: 86 tackles, 4 interceptions 
The Falcons have 17 free agents this offseason, and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said that they will realistically plan to re-sign about eight of them. It’s unclear if DeCoud is included in those eight players expected to sign an extension. He played well as the Falcons starting free safety last season and would command more money than what the Ravens could pay for someone who will likely back up Reed.
(Upside – Proven Talent; Downside – Price)

Reggie Nelson, Cincinnati Bengals
Unrestricted (5th Season); 28; 5-11; 206 pounds
2011 Season: 85 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions
Nelson had arguably the best season of his career playing with the Ravens’ AFC North rival Cincinnati. Now, the Bengals are trying to work out a contract extension with Nelson, who is reportedly one of the team’s top priorities to re-sign.  The Bengals have plenty of cap space this offseason, so they could likely work out a deal with Nelson and still have flexibility to bring in other free agents.
(Upside – AFC North Familiarity, Proven; Downside – Price)

James Sanders, Atlanta Falcons
Unrestricted (7th Season); 28; 5-10; 210
2011 Season: 41 tackles
Sanders signed a one-year contract last preseason with the Falcons after playing his first six seasons in New England. He played well in a backup role and when called upon to be the starter. He could provide some depth for the Ravens and has past experience as a starter. Sanders isn’t expected fetch a big contract on the market.
(Upside – Price; Downside – Limited Starting Experience)

Abe Elam, Dallas Cowboys
Unrestricted (8th Season); 30; 6-0; 212
2011 Season: 68 tackles, 1 forced fumble
In his first season with the Cowboys, Elam started every game and played well at strong safety. He has bounced around during his seven NFL seasons, also spending time with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns. At this point in his career he likely wouldn’t get a long-term contract on the open market, but he could provide some depth and experience in the secondary for a couple of seasons.
(Upside – AFC North Familiarity, Price; Downside – Age)

Michael Griffin, Tennessee Titans
Unrestricted (6th Season); 27; 6-0; 203
2011 Season: 75 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
The former first-round draft pick has been a starter since his rookie season and is one of the top safeties set to become a free agent this offseason. But he might not even hit the free-agent market, as he is still a candidate to get the franchise tag by Tennessee. If Griffin does become a free agent, then the kind of contract he would command is likely much more than the backup role the Ravens are looking to fill.
(Upside – Proven, Top Talent; Downside – Price)

Laron Landry, Washington Redskins
Unrestricted (5th Season); 27; 6-0; 220
2011 Season: 48 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Landry is another player who seems somewhat unlikely to become a free agent. The Redskins are reportedly trying to decide whether to franchise the veteran safety. Landry has been a starter since his rookie season, but injuries have cut short his last two years. Landry has missed a combined 15 games over the last two seasons.
(Upside – Proven, Top Talent; Downside – Price, Injuries)

Dashon Goldson, San Francisco 49ers
Unrestricted (6th Season); 27; 6-2; 200
2011 Season: 67 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 6 interceptions
The 49ers free safety had arguably the best year of his career and was an important part of a San Francisco defense that ranked as one of the best in the NFL. It seems like an almost certainly that Goldson will be back in San Francisco – either with a contract extensions or franchise tag – and he recently told a radio station he would be “very shocked” if he wasn’t with the 49ers next year.
(Upside – Top Talent; Downside – Price)

Addressing both of those areas could be a priority in this April’s draft, and this week’s NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis will be an important part in determining who the Ravens end up taking.

Here are five offensive players to look out for at the combine:

WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
The big receiver heads into the combine with arguably the most to prove out of any wide receiver in this draft. Recent reports say that Jeffery’s weight has ballooned, and that he weighs as much as 240 pounds – a size more fitting for a tight end than a receiver. If he comes into the combine and looks too big or out of shape, that could considerably hurt his draft stock. Also, his 40-yard dash time will be critical because there are concerns that he struggled to get separation in his routes. A 40-time in the 4.4’s or low 4.5’s would dispel some of the concerns about his speed and likely cement his place in the first round.

OG David DeCastro, Stanford
The Stanford product is considered by many draft experts to be the best guard in this year’s draft, making him a likely top-20 pick. He will be interesting to watch at the combine because if he doesn’t perform particularly well in some of the drills, then he could see his stock decline. If he drops down draft boards, then he might be available when the Ravens draft at No. 29, potentially making him a steal late in the first round.

OC Peter Konz, Wisconsin
With starting center Matt Birk contemplating retirement, the Ravens are planning to bring in another center and many draft experts expect Wisconsin’s Peter Konz to be that guy. Not many centers get drafted in the first round, so Konz will have to show NFL scouts at the combine that he is worthy of first-round consideration.

WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
Floyd is considered by many draft experts to be a top five wide receiver that will end up going in the first round or early second. Like most receivers, his 40-yard dash time will go a long way in determining whether NFL teams think he is fast enough to merit a first-round selection. Floyd’s interviews will also be important, as he was suspended at Notre Dame after being arrested for drunken driving. Scouts and general managers will want to make sure those lapses in judgment are behind him.

WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers
Sanu is a big-bodied wide receiver (6-foot-2, 215 pounds), and his stock appears to have risen in recent months. Most mock drafts have him as a second-round selection, but a strong showing at the combine could solidify his place in the first round, especially if he is able to post a 40-time in the low 4.5’s. The biggest concern about Sanu is the lack of breakaway speed, which could steer teams away from him in the first round.

Lardarius Webb was a small college safety from small-school Nicholls State.

But Webb made a big impression at the 2009 combine.

And it’s what eventually led the Ravens to draft him in the third round that year.

Webb was a 5-foot-9 ¾-inch, 179-pound safety and kick/punt returner in college.

Scouts liked his versatility. He was the first player in NCAA history to win his conference’s offensive defensive and special teams player of the week awards in one season. They also liked his toughness and ball skills.

But there were questions about what position he would play in the NFL. He wasn’t considered big enough for safety. Was he fast enough for cornerback?

Webb ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, tied for the second-best among defensive backs. Question answered.

“That’s what started our interest in him,” General Manager Ozzie Newsome told BaltimoreRavens.com last week.

The Ravens have done their homework on all the draft-eligible prospects from across the nation. They’ve got the framework of their draft board set.

The combine largely helps them confirm what they already believe to be true.

But every once in a while, a player like Webb will jump off the charts, prompting the Ravens’ scouting staff and coaches to go back for further evaluation and perhaps move him up the board.

The Ravens will be sending the big guns to Indianapolis, from Newsome, Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta and Head Coach John Harbaugh to a team of physicians to inspect the athletes’ health.

The ability to talk to the players (they are permitted 60 15-minute interviews) and have their medical staff check them out are main draws. The on-field workouts, while more entertaining for fans, are generally not seen as important.

But could the Ravens find another gem like Webb?

Stay tuned to BaltimoreRavens.com, who will be Indianapolis beginning Wednesday, for all the combine coverage.

The franchise tag is on the clock.

And soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Ray Rice seems even more likely to get tagged says Peter King, who is reporting that Rice is seeking an Adrian Peterson-type contract.

The SI.com columnist says the Ravens star running back “might be disappointed” because a seven-year deal worth up to $100 million may be too much for the team to offer. “The Ravens have too many great players to sign to go nuts on him.”

While some consider Rice among the top three or four running backs in the league today, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley says “the Ravens won’t be giving him anything close” to Peterson money.

“I’m not trying to slight Rice because he was the most valuable player in the AFC North last season,” wrote Hensley. “Basically, Rice is really, really good.”

Rice received his second invite to the Pro Bowl after producing a career-high and NFL-best 2,068 yards from scrimmage last season. He ranked second in the league in rushing (1,364 to Maurice Jones-Drew’s 1,606) and he puts points on the board, setting a team record with 15 touchdowns.

The reasoning behind giving Rice a smaller contract than Peterson has less to do with his past performance and more to do with the durability issues at the position. Because of those issues, pundits say the priority lies with investing in quarterback Joe Flacco long-term.

“Running backs have proven to be fungible, prone to injury and susceptible to sudden declines in the quality of their play, and NFL teams that give lucrative long-term deals to running backs often live to regret it,” wrote ProFootballTalk.com’s Michael David Smith.

He cited the ACL tear that ended Peterson’s season after signing the mega deal. Titans’ Chris Johnson recorded career lows in yards, yards per carry and touchdowns last year after holding out and signing his new big contract.

Hensley says it would probably make more sense to franchise Rice twice – worth $17 million – before giving him Peterson money.

“The more realistic deal that Rice should be targeting is the one given to the Titans’ Chris Johnson, who reportedly signed for $53.5 million over four years,” he added.

The framework could be discussed when the Ravens’ brain trust and Rice’s agent, Todd France, meet at the combine later this week.

Even if the two sides don’t see eye-to-eye on Peterson-type money, pundits generally believe a deal will get worked out in the end, as both Rice and the Ravens want to continue playing football together. To buy more time to work out a deal, the Ravens can tag Rice by the March 5 deadline.

“He wants to be here and the Ravens want him here,” wrote The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec. “They’ll figure it out.”

“Ray Rice isn’t going anywhere,” added NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora.

Adding WR Bigger Priority Than Grubbs, McClain?

General Manager Ozzie Newsome will have to perform a challenging juggling act once the free-agency bell rings this March.

Rice, Flacco, Ben Grubbs, Jameel McClain, Matt Birk, and maybe even Lardarius Webb are a handful of stars Ozzie will have to keep an eye on.

He may have a list of priorities that helps guide his actions this offseason. We know Flacco and Rice are on the top of that list, but fans wonder where adding a new wide receiver falls?

“I believe the Ravens will make adding a wide receiver a bigger priority than Grubbs and McClain,” wrote Hensley. “Grubbs certainly proved his importance when the offensive line struggled during the six games he was sidelined with a toe injury. But his chances of staying with the Ravens was significantly reduced when Baltimore invested a $32.5 million contract in the other starting guard, Marshal Yanda, last season.”

As far as McClain is concerned, Hensley believes the starting linebacker next to Ray Lewis will go elsewhere. The ESPN blogger’s prediction is based on the history of the inside linebackers next to Lewis – like Ed Hartwell and Bart Scott – who were heavily sought after by other teams and given a lot of money to leave Baltimore.

Just as Scott benefited from the attention he received when Lewis’ season ended due to a hamstring injury, Dan Pompei of National Football Post believes McClain’s stock rose after Lewis went down this season for four games with a toe injury.

“Ray Lewis’ toe injury came at a very opportune time for one Ravens teammate,” Pompei wrote. “Jameel McClain, who took over the defense calling and on-field leadership responsibilities from Lewis in his absence for five games, is about to become an unrestricted free agent. The Ravens went [4-0] without Lewis, in part because of McClain’s ability to do some of what Lewis did.”

While Hensley believes McClain will be offered a contract the Ravens won’t be able to match, Pompei could see the Ravens making a move to retain him, “both for his short-term value and his long-term value as a replacement for Lewis after the 36-year-old retires.”

Eisenberg: No Strings Attached To Kindle

As the media focus rests squarely on Rice and Flacco, CSNBaltimore.com’s John Eisenberg asks a question that never really seems to go away.

What are the Ravens’ plans with exclusive rights free agent Sergio Kindle, who has shown “virtually nothing” after being drafted in the second round two years ago and then sustaining a head injury while falling down two flights of stairs?

“[Kindle's] options are limited, to put it mildly,” wrote Eisenberg. “He can’t negotiate with other teams. If the Ravens make him an offer at the three-year veteran minimum, he has to take it. His only other option is to quit and hope someone else picks him up. He is called a ‘free’ agent only because he is free to quit.

“Do they cut ties and admit he was a blown pick? Or have they seen enough behind the scenes to continue to let him develop at his own, slow pace, envisioning a player who could eventually add to their pass rush? … Look for them to offer him a minimum contract and the chance to come to training camp and compete for a job, with no strings attached.”

No Guarantee Birk Is Back, Even If He Doesn’t Retire

Matt Birk still hasn’t announced his decision on retirement, and Zrebiec believes that his agent, Joe Linta, and the Ravens will talk about the veteran center this week at the combine since Linta will already be chatting with Ravens brass about his other client, Flacco.

“I don’t believe it is a foregone conclusion that the Ravens bring him back even if Birk decides that he’d prefer to push back retirement another year,” wrote Zrebiec, citing Newsome’s comment at the season-review presser that the team will add another center to the roster for next season.

If Birk and the Ravens don’t reunite, Hensley says there are plenty of quality free-agent centers on the market, but they would probably cost more than the Raven are willing to spend right now.

“I see the Ravens drafting a center and using Andre Gurode as a veteran stopgap,” wrote Hensley.

Quick Hits

• Cowboys defensive end Jason Hatcher says his team has the talent to be successful, but is missing a Ray Lewis-type leader to keep the team focused. “When Ray Lewis speaks, everybody listens to him,” Hatcher said. “A guy like that, we really don’t got that. I think we definitely need somebody like that. You’ve got to have somebody hold you accountable. With a leader like (Lewis), everybody is accountable and guys aren’t doing their own thing. (Lewis) is in there. Everybody’s going in one direction. So once you have that, you’ll be good. We’re still looking for it.” [USA Today]
• Salary cap won’t prevent the Ravens from filling their needs [The Baltimore Sun]
• Jeff Seidel argues that the Ravens should re-sign veteran defensive end Cory Redding. “A player like Redding is very important to the Ravens,” wrote Seidel. “He’s a veteran who gives the defense a steady presence, something they need since there’s a number of younger players there. Redding is different than some of the other big names on the team. The spotlight doesn’t find him, nor does he want it to. He’ll come in, do his job quietly and move on. That’s why Redding is the kind of person who leads by example — which is good for any team.” [CSNBaltimore.com]
• The Steelers hired Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley two weeks ago, but he still hasn’t spoken with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. “He still hasn’t called yet,” said Roethlisberger, who had “the tone that he has no intention of making the first move.” [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]
• Hey Hensley, who do you see starting for the Ravens in 2012 at the linebacking position? “Terrell Suggs and Paul Kruger at OLB. Ray Lewis and Vontaze Burfict at ILB.” [ESPN]
• The Ravens special teams unit was ranked last in the AFC North after a rough season for kicker Billy Cundiff, returner David Reed and the coverage teams. In order to turn that around, Hensley believes the Ravens need to bring in another kicker to compete and improve the coverage units. He suggested Shayne Graham. [ESPN]
• Mike Florio and Eisenberg chat about the many different free-agent scenarios facing the Ravens. [ProFootballTalk.com]

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