Position: Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6’1″/250 lbs.
Age: 25/Experience: 3
College: Syracuse

Analysis: On a team flooded with linebackers, included on future hall of famer and franchise star, it’s tough to get recognition in the position. This season, Jameel McClain has done just that.

He’s been counted on as a reliable team mate during the brutally hot days of summer out at Westminster and drawing attention of the coaching staff for his pass rushing and coverage ability across the middle of the field. McClain’s improvement through his young career should be a sigh of relief for fans worrying about the middle of Baltimore’s defense this season. He paid his dues for two seasons on special teams and now is looking to continue his career next to Ray Lewis on the Ravens defense.

2010 Outlook: McClain’s play in camp is another step in the right direction for his career. Last season he recorded a career high 29 tackles on defense and 33 on special teams. He’s the only Ravens to ever record two safeties in a season. This year I expect to see McClain becoming more of a full time difference maker on defense. His growth in middle-of-the-field-defense will be vital for Baltimore as their weakness will undoubtedly be in the secondary.