This is the seventh part of the offseason series that is focusing on the Baltimore Ravens' position groups as they continue organized team activities (OTAs). This post will look at the Ravens' inside linebackers.
Returning: C.J. Mosley*, Daryl Smith*, Arthur Brown, Albert McClellan, Zachary Orr
Newcomers: Andrew Bose (undrafted rookie)
Departures: None
Roster spots likely available: Four or five
Competition: Arthur Brown vs. roster bubble. The Ravens typically don't give up on second-round picks (especially ones they traded up for) very easily. In fact, no healthy second-round pick has ever been cut by the Ravens after two full seasons. But you have to wonder whether they're going to give a roster spot to someone who contributed very little last season. In his second year, Brown was inactive for 12 games and didn't play a defensive snap last season. He was running with the first team because Mosley is limited after undergoing offseason wrist surgery. But he was passed on the depth chart last season when McClellan and Orr became core special teams players. It's a big season for Brown.
Outlook: The Ravens are set with Mosley and Smith as their starters for a second straight season. Both were every-down linebackers and extremely durable. Each played over 96 percent of the defensive snaps. They also combined for 152 solo tackles, which accounted for one quarter of the Ravens' total. The biggest question is when Smith starts showing signs of decline. He turned 33 in March. McClellan and Orr, both of whom were undrafted, didn't see much time on defense with 43 total snaps. But they were extremely valuable on coverage teams, finishing as the top two special teams tacklers.
* Projected starter
Previous offseason reviews: Quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, wide receivers, offensive line and defensive line
