The Competition: Linebackers

Heading into the first practice, BaltimoreRavens.com will offer previews of each position, focusing on who will be in the thick of the competition come training camp. Today, the linebackers take the spotlight.

Even with the loss of the versatile Adalius Thomas, the Ravens can still boast one of the most-impressive liinebacking corps in the NFL. Thomas certainly brought a lot to last year's top-ranked defense, but that's not worrying coaches in Baltimore.

They think that any one of a group of linebacker/defensive end hybrids on the roster could ably step in the lineup.

It starts with five-year veteran Jarret Johnson, who will take over most of the duties. Still, the 2005 draft pick Dan Cody and special teams stalwart Gary Stills are also options if they continue to develop.

"[Thomas] was a tremendous player for us; we don't hide that fact. It is not all going to fall on Jarret Johnson, even though we are comfortable with that," said defensive coordinator Rex Ryan during summer minicamps. "We are excited about things Jarret can do in a full-time role, but it is going to fall on a lot of guys."

On the inside, Pro Bowlers Ray Lewis and Bart Scott are the field generals, and their leadership remains critical to the young Ravens on the roster.

Here is a breakdown of Baltimore's linebackers:

Outside:

Terrell Suggs

2006: "Sizzle" sacked his way to his second Pro Bowl in 2006 with 9.5 quarterback-drops. He also contributed a career-high 86 tackles to the league's top-ranked defense.

Forecast: One of the NFL's most intimidating pass-rushers, Suggs remains a vital cog in the Ravens' überaggressive defense. After spending the offseason working on his pass-coverage, expect Suggs to be an even more complete linebacker in 2007.

Jarret Johnson

2006: As a part-time player, Johnson netted 35 tackles and a career-high 1.5 sacks. He recorded starts at both linebacker and defensive end against Atlanta and San Diego, respectively.

Forecast: Johnson is a leading candidate to fill the void left by Adalius Thomas. With his ability to play multiple positions, the Ravens' will look for him to replace some of Thomas' lost versatility.

Dan Cody

2006: After battling back from a knee injury that wiped out his rookie year, the injury bug bit again. Cody saw action in two games before finishing the season on injured reserve.

Forecast: Another candidate to fill in at outside linebacker, Cody looks to validate his second-round selection in 2005. If he can stay healthy, Cody could be the Ravens' next quarterback-terrorizing linebacker.

Gary Stills

2006: 2006 was a banner year for Stills, the Ravens' special teams dynamo. A Pro Bowl alternate, Stills posted a career-high 44 special teams tackles—the second-highest total in league history.

Forecast: The trickledown effect of Thomas' departure will be felt by Stills as well. Though he will continue to make his presence felt on special teams, look for Stills to compete for more time on defense.

Antwan Barnes

2006: Barnes left Florida International as the school's all-time sack leader. A First-Team All Conference player as a senior, Barnes recorded 22.5 tackles-for-loss.

Forecast: Barnes is a prototypical Ravens' linebacker: fast, athletic and nasty. Another defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid, the rookie will contribute as a speedy edge-rusher.

Edgar Jones

2006: A Division I-AA All American, Jones was a dominant pass-rusher at Southeast Missouri State. As a senior, he led the nation in sacks and ranked fourth in tackles-for-loss.

Forecast: Jones will need to have an impressive training camp to crack the Ravens' outside linebacker unit, which is deep and talented.

Inside:

Ray Lewis

2006: Lewis rebounded from 2005's injury-marred season to make his eighth Pro Bowl appearance. For the ninth time in his career, he led the team in tackles with 164.

Forecast: Lewis returns for his eleventh year as the centerpiece of the NFL's most dominant defense. In search of a second Super Bowl ring, Ray looks to further entrench his mark as an immortal figure in Baltimore sports' history.

Bart Scott

2006: Scott recorded a breakout year in 2006, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance. His 135 tackles and 9.5 sacks garnered nationwide media attention, including Second-Team All-Pro honors by the Associated Press.

Forecast: After last year's dominant performance, Scott has raised the bar for himself. The Ravens will rely heavily on him in 2007 to remain a force against both the run and the pass.

Dennis Haley

2006: After spending the majority of his rookie season on the Ravens' practice squad, Haley totaled a career-high 11 tackles. Haley was critical when Lewis sat out two games with a sore back. In those games, he netter 11 tackles, including 10 against the Tennessee Titans.

Forecast: The Ravens will continue to count on Haley to provide depth at multiple linebacker spots. He will also contribute on special teams.

Mike Smith

2006: Smith recorded his first start in Week Nine against Tennessee, but sustained a shoulder injury, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Forecast: Healthy for 2007, Smith will compete to serve as Ray Lewis' primary back-up, while remaining a force on special teams.

Prescott Burgess

2006: As a senior, Burgess' 48 tackles ranked second on Michigan's star-studded defense, which was the top run-stopping unit in college football.

Forecast: With the ability to play both inside and outside, Burgess will try to use his versatility to battle for one of Baltimore's linebacking spots. Playing special teams will be vital for him to win a job.

Joe Martin

2006: Martin's 109 tackles led San Diego State and earned him Second-Team All Conference honors.

Forecast: Martin will need an impressive camp to earn a roster spot. Like Burgess, he must show the ability to contribute as a special teamer.