The Ravens' Continuing Transformation

The Ravens used to be a defensive team. Simple as that. When Ray Lewis has been the face of your team, it's pretty much inevitable. Now, though, with young guys like Joe Flacco, Michael Oher and Ray Rice paving the way to the team's future, that image has been turned around to include an efficient offense.

So they've got the QB down, a few damn good running backs in tow and a steady O line. What they need now are consistent receivers.

Yes, they have guys like Mark Clayton and possibly still Derrick Mason who have been play-makers in the past.

Yes, they signed Donte Stallworth. He has the potential to do great things, but he's not going to be the big-name guy that the Ravens truly need to succeed at the receiver's position.

Now they need to look at their other options. With free agency beginning at midnight, some high-profile names available are restricted free agents Brandon Marshall (Denver) and Vincent Jackson (San Diego) and unrestricted free agent Terrell Owens (Buffalo). The Chargers are putting high tenders on Jackson, Marshall has had some...off-the-field temper issues, and TO has a tense history with the Ravens, which are just a few examples of potential roadblocks. But these guys have talent and would provide veteran experience and give the offense a chance to make big plays. (I say this even though it would actually nauseate me to see TO in a Ravens uniform...just saying)

The Scouting Combine is just as important. At some key positions, the Ravens are a young team with players building experience as time goes on. But a mix of veteran guys like Stallworth and some rookies with fresh legs who are eager to please could definitely be a benefit for the team's progression at WR.

There's no debate that the Ravens need to (and will be) searching for some play-makers at the wide receiver position this offseason. It's now a question of who, from where and how they will fit into the team's ever-changing dynamic.