Troubled Ravens linebacker Rolando McClain can apparently cross one item off his laundry list of legal problems as he has reportedly pleaded guilty to a window tint violation stemming from a January incident.

According to The Sun, McClain entered the plea to avoid appearing in court on Tuesday. The city of Decatur, Ala. has dismissed a charge for providing a false name when McClain was originally pulled over for the window tint violation.

McClain is still due in court in July for charges stemming from April 21 when he was arrested in his hometown for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The incident took place in a Decatur park after police were summoned in response to a dispute.

The 23-year-old linebacker has been arrested three times in less than two years but remains on the Ravens’ offseason roster despite finding trouble less than two weeks after he was signed to a one-year, $700,000 contract that includes up to $400,000 in incentives. None of the money is guaranteed should general manager Ozzie Newsome elect to part ways with the 2010 first-round pick.

The second-round selection of Kansas State inside linebacker Arthur Brown in last month’s draft put McClain’s future in further doubt in many critics’ eyes, but the Ravens have indicated they’re willing to allow due process to play out before making any decision on the troubled linebacker, who spent the first three years of his NFL career in Oakland.

The latest news over the weekend coming out of Towson University’s athletics program was not about baseball or soccer.  Rather, this news is in regards to the football program and the fact that the 2012 CAA Football Co-Champion Tigers will not receive championship rings due to an athletics department policy.

“Our policy is that our department will provide championship rings to teams who win the ultimate conference title, or national championship for their sport” said Director of Athletics Mike Waddell.  “We do not give out rings for regular season championships when there is a postseason tournament which defines the Conference Champion.  The 2012 Football scenario was unique in a lot of ways, and in the end, we made the call to not award championship rings.”

Waddell shared that the reason for the 2012 football team not receiving rings is because the 2012 Tigers were one of four teams who finished the regular season in second place with 6-2 records, behind 7-1  Old Dominion, which came in first place. Due to ODU leaving the CAA, league officials voted last June to make the Monarchs ineligible for the CAA Championship and the automatic playoff bid.  The tiebreaker for the automatic bid went to Villanova, and ODU got an at-large bid to the NCAA playoffs along with New Hampshire, despite the fact that Towson beat UNH 64-35 in the regular season finale.

”Following the 2011 season our Tiger Club donors stepped up and raised the money needed to cover all of the costs associated with the CAA Championship Rings. Without this support none of that recognition could have been possible.”

The CAA recognized Towson, along with Richmond, Villanova and New Hampshire as co-champions. Following the 2012 season Richmond and Villanova bought CAA rings for their teams, but New Hampshire and, now, Towson did not.  Old Dominion also made up CAA Championship rings recognizing the fact that they went 7-1 and actually won the CAA title on the field.  This was an unprecedented scenario in the CAA 5 of the 11 teams in the league could have purchased rings claiming to be CAA Champions.

Waddell added that “at Towson it’s our department’s policy to award rings to champions, and with that still comes the need to have our Tiger Club donors step up and answer the call to fund these projects.  This is a common practice at FCS schools.  There was a time at Towson when even Final Four Lacrosse teams did not get rings, so I feel that our policy is fair and that it is moving forward to a better place than we have ever been before.”

Football players who have given their all for the school, many of whom won back to back CAA championships will not get one of the things they feel they deserve.  These students have won championships and brought attention to the university.

Last weekend, former player Jermon Bushrod (Chicago Bear, Super Bowl Champion with the New Orleans Saints) attended Towson’s spring football game.  This is something he’s done for at least their last two Tiger Bowls.  Now, recently Towson has produced several NFL prospects who have now found their way into free agent camps.  These are the guys who will not be getting rings.  It remains to be seen whether or not these players will be hurt enough by not receiving rings to not come back or give back to the university they gave their all for.  These seniors have seen Towson at its worse with a one win season and have been an absolutely integral part in turning the program around.

One can’t forget about the players who are still there as well.  How much motivation will these guys have to play for a school who has denied them something that they feel they deserve? Towson Athletics Director Mike Waddell says he has discussed this with Head Coach Rob Ambrose and they believe it will be extra motivation for 2013 as the football team has adopted the slogan “Leave No Doubt” for the upcoming campaign.

Football is not the only team which has received rings in recent years.  Following the 2011 football season and the 2012 women’s lacrosse season the department provided championship rings to the student-athletes along with a formal banquet to present the awards.  The same practice will be repeated this year for the Towson teams that have won championships – 2013 Women’s Swimming & Diving, 2013 Women’s Lacrosse and 2013 Men’s Lacrosse.  All awards and banquet costs are covered by donor dollars.

A former football player, who asked to remain nameless, told me “all of the seniors are just honestly hurt because everybody in the athletic department can say we went back to back, but as athletes we have no rings to show for it. And if it was the money issue, where did the money from Kent State and LSU go? Not football.”

All revenues from “Guarantee Games” at Towson goes into a general revenue line in the Athletics Budget which goes back to offset costs with all sports.  One can see how the players might feel this is unfair seeing as that they were the ones who played in these games.  Prior to the 2012 season the Football Program did receive a new locker room.  Also, the Friday night prior to Tiger Bowl III the 2012 football team also received championship watches, which were provided by the CAA to all four of the football programs which shared in the 2012 co-championship.  Old Dominion did not receive watches from the CAA.

Clearly, Towson’s goal is to become a big time program.  That’s understandable with the amount of money that is in college sports today.  As a current student, I want them to have success as well.  However, on the way to this sought after success, they cannot forget the people that are getting them there.

That same anonymous player went on to say, “I will always come back to Towson and give back like most seniors will and we all have the most respect for the football program and we want to always see the program grow and get better. Coach Ambrose and his staff turned us into great young men and we will always thank them for that.”

The sense I got from the players I talked to was that they weren’t happy with not being told why they didn’t get their rings.  A different nameless former player told me, “the team, especially the captains and seniors should’ve had a say.” He continued, “I feel like it should have definitely been given in honor of our senior class because we rebuilt this program with the help of the last senior class. We are back to back CAA Champions!”

Towson football produces quality young men.  Some are upset by this latest ordeal.  However, they won’t hold a grudge.  At least not the ones I talked to.  A former player told me that despite all this he will “always come back and contribute to (his) alma mater.”

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — On the day when the Ravens were wrapping up their mandatory rookie minicamp, coach John Harbaugh answered questions about the return of his starting left tackle and oldest player on the roster.

After agreeing to a two-year deal worth a maximum of $7 million to remain in Baltimore on Thursday, Bryant McKinnie, 33, is expected to come to town this week to finalize the contract and begin offseason workouts. His return means the Ravens have now retained four of five starters from their Super Bowl XLVII offensive line, with only 15-year veteran Matt Birk departing due to retirement.

The Ravens had publicly entertained thoughts of moving second-year lineman Kelechi Osemele to left tackle, but a new contract for McKinnie means Baltimore can keep Osemele at left guard, solidifying another position that would have been a question mark had the 2012 second-round pick made the position change.

“Having Bryant back is a big plus for us. We were hoping that would be the case,” Harbaugh said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him next week and getting him in here and going to work. We want our line to be as strong as it can possibly be and that makes us stronger.”

Harbaugh, run-game coordinator Juan Castillo, and other members of the organization kept in touch with McKinnie throughout the offseason, even when it appeared they had little interest in bringing back the 2002 first-round pick. The Ravens’ involvement in negotiating with McKinnie spiked after they were unable to come away with a left tackle of the future in last weekend’s draft and saw San Diego and Miami make contract offers to his agent Michael George.

Asked if he’s been pleased with what McKinnie has told him in terms of his activity and conditioning level this offseason, Harbaugh spoke in generic terms since he hasn’t seen the left tackle since the end of last season. Specific details of McKinnie’s deal hadn’t been reported as of Sunday afternoon, but it’s believed there will be some incentives related to workouts and playing time.

There was plenty of speculation that McKinnie found his way into Harbaugh’s doghouse last season as he didn’t start a game until the playoffs, but the Baltimore coach reached out to the 354-pound lineman earlier this offseason to make it known that he wanted McKinnie to stay with the Ravens in 2013.

“I’m always pleased with conversations with Bryant McKinnie,” Harbaugh said. “I enjoy talking to Bryant. He’s one of my favorite guys. He’s a sterling conversationalist. We talk a lot about stuff, a lot of different things — a broad range of topics. I always enjoy that. I think he does as well.”

Spagnuolo’s role a work in progress

Sunday marked the first time Harbaugh commented publicly on the hiring of former St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo as a senior defensive assistant, and it appears his role will remain fluid as the offseason moves into training camp and the start of the regular season.

The pair spent seven seasons working together as assistants for the Philadelphia Eagles before Spagnuolo moved on to become the defensive coordinator of the New York Giants and ultimately the head coach in St. Louis from 2009 through 2011. Spagnuolo spent last season as the defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints but was fired after his unit finished last in yards allowed and 31st in points surrendered.

“His accomplishments speak for themselves. I think it adds to an already very strong staff and just makes us that much better,” Harbaugh said. “The more great coaches and great players that we can build into what we’re doing, the better we’re going to be. He’ll build into the defensive side, he’ll assist where needed, and I think we’ll build that in as we go. He can really work with any position, so it’s a big plus for us.”

Given the 53-year-old Spagnuolo’s impressive resume aside from working with an overmatched New Orleans defense a year ago, it will be interesting to see how closely he works with defensive coordinator Dean Pees and whether his longstanding relationship with Harbaugh may put him in line to be the eventual replacement for the 63-year-old.

Elam impresses early

Sunday offered the media’s first glimpse at first-round safety Matt Elam in a Ravens uniform and the University of Florida product didn’t disappoint, showing good speed and nearly picking off a pass during 11-on-11 drills.

Harbaugh even pointed to some of the leadership traits Elam exuded with the Gators that already were carrying over to the practice field in Owings Mills this weekend.

“Matt really picked things up quickly. He really did a nice job of communicating in the back end, which is not usual for a rookie,” Harbaugh said. “Most rookie defensive backs — even all defensive players — have a tough time with the communication part of it because they’re not confident enough to make the calls. He’s smart. He picked it up quickly, he jumped right back there and made the calls with force and played fast. He looked good.”

Odds & ends

Sunday featured an impressive moment for the Towson Tigers football program as quarterback Grant Enders — invited to try out this weekend — connected with wide receiver Gerrard Sheppard on the final play of Sunday’s practice. However, Enders was also the quarterback nearly picked off by Elam in 11-on-11 drills. “Enders and Sheppard looked really good in this camp,” Harbaugh said. “They are NFL-quality guys.” … Former Maryland tight end Matt Furstenburg caught a touchdown from University of Pittsburgh quarterback Tino Sunseri, who also tried out this weekend. … Second-round linebacker Arthur Brown of Kansas State showed impressive quickness dropping into coverage and blanketed running backs and tight ends running routes on a handful of plays. … Harbaugh said the Ravens are interested in bringing in another kicker who can handle punting and placekicking duties to share reps with kicker Justin Tucker and punter Sam Koch during training camp.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Chosen by the Ravens to begin working toward a third championship in franchise history, a collection of rookie draft picks and free agents took the practice field in Owings Mills for the first time on Friday.

But before any of these first-year players can entertain thoughts of how big their respective roles will be during the 2013 season and beyond, simple tasks such as lining up in the huddle correctly or even finding the locker room must be mastered in their first mandatory minicamp. Adjusting to the speed of an NFL practice is challenging enough, but diving headfirst into a playbook more complex than any encountered in college will be a chore players won’t master for quite some time.

It’s all about baby steps, starting with first-round safety Matt Elam and finishing with the undrafted rookies trying to gain favor with head coach John Harbaugh and the rest of the staff in their first weekend together.

“You just take a couple of minutes at a time. I know we have lunch, so that’s what I’m looking forward to right now,” said fourth-round linebacker John Simon as he laughed. “Then, we have meetings, so [I'm] not getting too ahead of yourself and just slowly getting through the day – putting your focus into everything.”

Following an offseason filled with free-agent departures, retirements, and difficult releases, the Ravens view this draft as a pivotal step in replenishing a championship team with young talent ready to play immediately, whether it be as a starter or a key reserve. This is especially true on the defensive side of the football where the Ravens lost six key contributors and already view Elam as well as second-round inside linebacker Arthur Brown as projected starters against the Denver Broncos in Week 1.

Unlike other organizations plagued with prolonged spells of losing or lukewarm success, the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII title brings instant credibility in getting rookies to buy into their message with no questions asked. Of course, general manager Ozzie Newsome and his scouts have made a point to identify high-character players with team-centric goals that take precedent over personal accolades.

Understanding the organization’s way of doing things can’t be learned overnight, but the message is clearly expressed from the moment rookies walk into the building.

“I walked into the locker room and the first thing I saw was, ‘Team. Team. Team,’” Brown said. “That was definitely comforting to me, just recognizing that it is all about the team. I come from a school that definitely focuses on a team effort, so really just seeing that from the coaching staff and the other players is definitely what I am all about.”

Competing with Cody

Third-round pick Brandon Williams admits to having a chip on his shoulder after hearing the doubts about his NFL potential coming from Division II program Missouri Southern State, but the 335-pound defensive lineman couldn’t help but smile when asked about the opportunity he’s received in Baltimore.

Newsome made no secret about his team’s need to get stronger at the nose tackle position after Terrence Cody and Ma’ake Kemoeatu struggle at the spot throughout the 2012 season. The Ravens invested free-agent money in veteran defensive ends Chris Canty and Marcus Spears to strengthen the defensive line but waited until the second day of the draft to identify Williams as a viable option at nose tackle.

And with Cody entering the final year of his rookie contract and failing to live up to expecations, Williams sees a golden opportunity to etch out a key role in the defensive line rotation.

“I love it. It’s great being here competing,” Williams said. “[Cody will] make me better; I’ll make him better. It’s just a team thing and a [defensive] line thing. We both can feed off of each other’s energy and play.”

Of course, with the Ravens’ extensive depth at defensive end, Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata could see more time playing inside, but there’s no disputing the opportunity that Williams has to make his mark in his first professional season.

No replacing Ray

Brown has heard the comparisons to the incomparable Ray Lewis since before the Kansas State linebacker was even drafted by the Ravens as his possible replacement, but the second-round pick is taking it all in stride.

Understanding there’s no way he can put himself in the conversation with one of the greatest defensive players in league history, Brown is looking forward to learning from the many remaining veterans influenced by the future Hall of Fame linebacker as well as crossing paths with Lewis himself. Expectations will be high after the Ravens moved up six spots in the second round to take him after suffering the losses of both Lewis and free-agent departure Dannell Ellerbe this offseason.

“The way I look at it is [there's] no replacing Ray Lewis,” Brown said. “He is still a part of this team. He has had a major impact on so many of guys that are already here. Really, I am just an addition looking to fulfill my role and be an impact player.”

Brown’s biggest competition for a starting job alongside Jameel McClain appears to be fourth-year linebacker Rolando McClain, who carries severe baggage from his days in Oakland as well as an arrest earlier this month that took place less than two weeks after he was signed to a one-year contract. His troubles coupled with Brown’s selection have led many to wonder whether the 2010 first-round pick will even make it to training camp as a member of the Ravens.

Taking the Harvard baton

In addition to answering questions about a potential competition with Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach, fourth-round selection Kyle Juszczyk of Harvard has been asked about his connection with retired Ravens center Matt Birk, who attended the same Ivy League school.

Juszczyk and Birk are both represented by agent Joe Linta and kept in touch over the last month as the former learned his draft fate. In addition to clarifying the pronunciation of his name — saying it’s like “you ‘use’ a ‘check’” — the rookie fullback shared Birk’s advice in preparing him for what to expect in the locker room as a Harvard product.

“On draft day he texted me, congratulated me [and] told me he thought I’d do well,” Juszczyk said. “He apologized and said, ‘Guys in Baltimore don’t think Harvard guys are too smart anymore –- sorry about that.’”

Even in retirement, Birk’s sense of humor can still be felt in Owings Mills.

Simon on Meyer

Simon received arguably the best compliment of any of the Ravens’ 10 draft picks when Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer said he would name his son after the Buckeyes defensive end after he served as a two-time captain in Columbus.

Projected to play outside linebacker in Baltimore’s 3-4 system, Simon was appreciative of his college coach’s words — even if they were uncharacteristic based on his perception of Meyer.

“He never really said it to my face, so I’ve never actually heard it, but I’ve heard other people talk about it,” Simon said. “He’s a blunt person. He tells it like it is. For him to say something like that about myself, it’s special to me and I respect the hell out of the guy. It means a lot.”

Steve Spagnuolo, former head coach of the St. Louis Rams (2009-11), has joined the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff, it was announced today by head coach John Harbaugh. Spagnuolo’s full-time position with the team is senior defensive assistant.

“Steve had a number of opportunities in the league right now, and we’re excited he picked the Ravens,” Harbaugh said. “He comes to a staff that we believe is very strong, and he makes us even better. His wealth of NFL coaching experience speaks for itself, and he’ll help us across the board. We think he can help with every position on the defense, and we’ll take full advantage of his knowledge and excellent teaching abilities. The Ravens got better today with the addition of an outstanding coach and person like Steve.”

Below are highlights of Coach Spagnuolo’s coaching career:

·         Fourteen-year NFL coaching veteran, including last season (2012) as defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints, three seasons (2009-11) as head coach of the St. Louis Rams and two (2007-08) as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants.

·         Coached as part of teams that have clinched eight playoff berths, won six division titles, made five conference championship game appearances and won Super Bowl XLII (NYG – 2007).

·         Spagnuolo was the defensive architect of the Super Bowl XLII Champion New York Giants (2007), a unit that ranked in the NFL’s Top 10 in eight single-season statistical categories, including a league-high 53 sacks.

·         Spent seven seasons (1999-2006) on the Philadelphia Eagles’ coaching staff with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Ravens strength and conditioning coach Bob Rogucki also served as an assistant with the Eagles in 2006.

·         From 2001-04, Harbaugh and Spagnuolo were on an Eagles’ staff that won four-straight NFC East titles, reached four-consecutive conference championship games and earned one Super Bowl berth.

·         From 1999-2005, Philadelphia ranked first in the NFL in third-down defense (33%), second in points allowed per game (17.0), second in quarterback sacks (265) and third in red zone defense (43%). During the 2001 campaign, the Eagles did not allow more than 21 points in 16-regular season games, just the fourth time that feat has been accomplished in NFL history.

·         Led St. Louis to a six-game turnaround between 2009 and 2010, marking the second-best turnaround in the NFL during that span. The Rams also made significant defensive improvements in Spagnuolo’s second-season at the helm:

-             Advanced 10 spots in total defense from 2009 to 2010

-             Ranked second in the NFL in third-down defense in 2010

-             Finished third in negative-play yardage (sacks and tackles for loss)

-             Ranked seventh in sacks in 2010

-             Improved from 31^st to ninth in opponent passer rating from 2009-10

·         Helped develop young defensive talent, including Rams MLB James Laurinaitis, who led the team in tackles all three seasons under Spagnuolo. DE Chris Long also emerged as a young pass rushing threat, culminating in a career-high 13 sacks in 2011.

·         A native of Whitinsville, Mass., Spagnuolo was the Male Scholar Athlete of the Year at Springfield College in 1982, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He also earned a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Massachusetts.

SPAGNUOLO’S Coaching Background

1982-83               Massachusetts                                    Graduate Assistant

1983                    Washington Redskins                         Player Personnel Intern

1984-86               Lafayette (Pa.)                                    Defensive Line/Special Teams

1987-89               Connecticut                                         Defensive Backs

1990-91               Connecticut                                         Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs

1992                    Barcelona Dragons (WLAF)                Defensive Line/Special Teams

1993                    San Diego Chargers                            Scout

1993                    Maine                                                  Defensive Backs

1994                    Maine                                                  Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

1994-95               Rutgers                                               Defensive Backs

1996-97               Bowling Green                                    Defensive Backs

1998                    Frankfurt Galaxy                                 Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

1999-2000           Philadelphia Eagles                            Defensive Assistant

2001-03               Philadelphia Eagles                            Defensive Backs

2004-06               Philadelphia Eagles                            Linebackers

2007-08               New York Giants                                 Defensive Coordinator

2009-11               St. Louis Rams                                    Head Coach

2012                    New Orleans Saints                            Defensive Coordinator

2013                    Baltimore Ravens                               Senior Defensive Assistant

 PRESS RELEASE

The Baltimore Ravens have signed the following 2013 draft picks:

Baltimore has also signed the following 14 rookie free agent players:

With the Ravens welcoming their new batch of rookies to Owings Mills for their mandatory minicamp this weekend, they got down to business with signing some of their 10 draft picks from the Class of 2013.

The drama of rookie contracts has largely been eliminated since the introduction of a new system with the collective bargaining agreement signed in 2011, so signings have become mere formalities with holdouts and delayed negotiating now things of the past. The contracts of drafted rookie players are set at four years — first-round contracts contain an option for a fifth season — with rookie free agents receiving three-year contracts. While contract figures aren’t slotted with a fixed amount, each team is given a rookie cap figure by which to abide.

According to The Sun, the Ravens have reached four-year agreements with fourth-round fullback Kyle Juszczyk, fifth-round offensive lineman Ricky Wagner, sixth-round defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore, sixth-round center Ryan Jensen, seventh-round wide receiver Aaron Mellette, and seventh-round cornerback Marc Anthony.

In addition to handing out contracts to six of their 10 draft choices, the Ravens officially assigned jersey numbers to each player and can be seen below:

S Matt Elam – No. 31
LB Arthur Brown – No. 59
NT Brandon Williams – No. 98
LB John Simon – No. 47
FB Kyle Juszczyk – No. 40
OL Ricky Wagner – No. 71
DE Kapron Lewis-Moore – No. 67
C Ryan Jensen – No. 77
WR Aaron Mellette – No. 80
CB Marc Anthony – No. 36

The Ravens have also issued No. 51 to troubled linebacker Rolando McClain, which will lead many to wonder whether we’ll actually see the 23-year-old linebacker suit up in Baltimore. The second-round selection of Brown certainly clouded McClain’s future even more than it already was following an arrest two weekends ago.

(Updated: Friday, 11:50 a.m.)

After receiving offers from the San Diego Chargers and the Miami Dolphins earlier this week, offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie has decided to stay put in Baltimore.

The Ravens announced a two-year agreement worth a reported maximum value of $7 million with the 33-year-old lineman, who spent the last two seasons in Baltimore and played exceptionally well at left tackle in the team’s march to their Super Bowl XLVII title. The possibility of McKinnie returning was always left on the table by general manager Ozzie Newsome, who likely wanted to see if the Ravens could secure their left tackle of the future in last weekend’s draft.

Instead, the Ravens failed to find a tackle in the first two days of the draft and were faced with the prospects of second-year lineman Kelechi Osemele lining up at left tackle this season after the 2012 second-round pick split time between right tackle and left guard in his rookie year. Head coach John Harbaugh will hope to see the healthy and motivated McKinnie who shut down such pass rushers as Dwight Freeney, Elvis Dumervil, and Aldon Smith in the postseason after the veteran served in a reserve role during the regular season.

Now, McKinnie wants to prove his postseason performance is what the Ravens can expect for the entire 2013 season.

“That is my goal coming into this season,” McKinnie told AM 1570 WNST on Friday morning. “Just picking up where I left off in the playoffs.”

Miami and San Diego hosted McKinnie on free-agent visits this week, prompting the Ravens to jump into the fray late in the process after keeping contact with the offensive tackle periodically during the offseason.

McKinnie expressed on several occasions that he was open to a return, but he wanted assurances that he would have the opportunity to compete to be the starting left tackle. With the interest from Miami and San Diego, one can assume the Ravens made it clear that the 2002 first-round pick would have nothing to worry about if he played at a level comparable to what they witnessed in January and February.

“I like [Baltimore] a lot,” McKinnie said. “I really wanted to be a part of the organization.”

In 2011, McKinnie started all 16 regular-season games for the Ravens and was the only starting offensive lineman not to miss a snap. However, his 2012 season was tumultuous to say the least as he was held out of organized team activities due to conditioning concerns and reported late to training camp after telling the Ravens he suffered a fall at his home in Florida. The unceremonious start led to Michael Oher replacing him at left tackle and Osemele starting at right tackle with McKinnie serving in a reserve role for the first time in his career.

A late-season conversation between McKinnie and Harbaugh in which the coach spelled out his expectations brought improved effort in practice that gave the Ravens more confidence that the 354-pound tackle could function in the no-huddle offense.

A toe injury to starting left guard Jah Reid in the regular-season finale helped facilitate McKinnie’s insertion into the starting lineup as the Baltimore offensive line did an exceptional job protecting quarterback Joe Flacco in four playoff games that culminated with the Ravens’ second NFL championship. With ample time in the pocket, Flacco became the second player in league history to throw 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in a single postseason.

In his 11-year career, McKinnie has played in 164 career regular-season games (148 starts) and has also participated in 11 playoff contests, starting each one. His durability over the course of his career is a reason why McKinnie doesn’t understand the intense scrutiny he’s faced at different points during his career, which includes the stories of his financial problems off the field.

“What I do outside of football is my business,” McKinnie said. “As long as I’m prepared come training camp and game day, I don’t see the problem.”

With the news of the signing, the Ravens are projected to have a starting offensive line of McKinnie at left tackle, Osemele at left guard, second-year lineman Gino Gradkowski at center, Marshal Yanda at right guard, and Oher at right tackle. Gradkowski is expected to replace veteran Matt Birk, who retired this offseason after 15 NFL seasons split between Minnesota and Baltimore.

Listen to Bryant McKinnie’s conversation with Paul Mittermeier and Damon Yaffe on AM 1570 WNST.net right HERE.

After failing to come away with a high-ceiling left tackle prospect in last weekend’s draft, the Ravens are now faced with the prospects of veteran Bryant McKinnie departing via free agency.

The 33-year-old offensive tackle remained in San Diego on a free-agent visit with the Chargers on Wednesday afternoon and tells WNST.net in a text message that an offer has been made to his agent Michael George. Negotiations continue and the Miami Dolphins have also made an offer, according to McKinnie.

The Ravens have remained in contact with the veteran lineman periodically during the offseason despite not making a formal offer to retain his services. General manager Ozzie Newsome and coach John Harbaugh said the week before the draft that second-year lineman Kelechi Osemele would be the team’s starting left tackle if the season were to begin now.

McKinnie met with the Dolphins on Monday before flying to San Diego to begin his visit with the Chargers on Tuesday. Both teams are in need of a starting left tackle.

With the 2013 NFL Draft in the rear-view mirror, general manager Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens can now begin looking at the offseason roster with a clearer picture of what they’ll have when they travel to Denver for the Sept. 5 season opener.

Of course, there will be a few more additions or subtractions of some consequence between now and the start of training camp in late July, but any drastic changes are unlikely with the Ravens holding just under $4 million in salary cap space.

The Ravens will likely use some of that remaining cap room to address offensive tackle after only coming away with Wisconsin tackle Ricky Wagner in the fifth round of the draft. The Badgers left tackle will likely be moved inside to guard as it’s not believed that his feet are quick enough to handle the position at the next level, meaning Kelechi Osemele is still in line to be the team’s starting left tackle if the season were to begin now.

The obvious veteran still on the free-agent market is left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who has remained in touch with the Ravens this offseason but visited with the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The 33-year-old McKinnie told WNST.net in a text message that the only post-draft contact he’s had from the Ravens came with run-game coordinator Juan Castillo and right tackle Michael Oher.

A CBSSports.com report said McKinnie is also scheduled to visit with the San Diego Chargers, but the 11-year veteran provided his own update on the visit with the Dolphins on Monday afternoon.

“Just finished a good day of meetings & workouts!” McKinnie wrote on his official Twitter account. “This was the gear of choice 4 2day! Nothing final…”

Even if McKinnie signs elsewhere and Osemele ultimately receives the nod to protect quarterback Joe Flacco’s blindside, you’d expect the Ravens to at least add another veteran tackle since Jah Reid and Ramon Harewood would then factor heavily into the competition for the starting left guard spot. With no other additions, Oher would clearly be the replacement for Osemele in the event of an injury, but that would open a huge hole on the right side of the line.

Fullback is another interesting position to watch after the Ravens drafted Harvard fullback Kyle Juszczyk with their second fourth-round pick on Saturday. All things being equal, you wouldn’t expect the rookie to supplant three-time Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach, but the veteran’s hefty cap figure puts him at the top of the list of potential cuts should an opportunity to add a pricier veteran arise between now and the start of the season.

Newsome was asked following the conclusion of the draft what Jusczcyk’s selection meant for Leach’s future, but the Ravens executive didn’t exactly provide a guarantee that Leach would be opening running lanes for Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce in 2013. Baltimore won’t cut Leach for the sake of simply saving $3 million in cap space, but if they need more cap space to address another need such tackle or wide receiver, the Ravens won’t hesitate to give Jusczcyk the starting job.

“We want to make decisions based on how guys perform out on the football field,” Newsome said. “We’re going to get Kyle in here, and the thing we like about Kyle other than his ability to play on the offensive side is we expect him to be a very good special-teams contributor. Could there be a place for both of them? Yes, there could be, because as John and I try to put our 53-man squad together, we want to keep the best 53 players.”

Troubled inside linebacker Rolando McClain remains with the Ravens as of Monday afternoon, but you have to wonder how much shorter his leash became after the selection of Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown. Considering the Ravens traded up in the second round to select Brown in fear of another team taking him before their scheduled pick at 62nd overall, you’d expect that coach John Harbaugh envisions him to be a starter from Day 1.

To this point, the Ravens have said all the polite things about McClain’s latest arrest on April 21 and his right to due process, but the need to keep an average player with such baggage diminished greatly after adding one of the top inside linebackers in this year’s draft class. You have to wonder if McClain will even make it to training camp at this point, or whether he’ll be able to keep himself out of trouble between now and then.

“He is one of the 90,” Newsome said on the final day of the draft. “We’re going to make the determination, starting Sunday, who we think is going to be on our top 53. We’ll start making those decisions. It’s going to be some tough decisions, but as of right now, Rolando is still a part of our football team.”

Below is an all-too-early look at the 2013 depth chart, which doesn’t include undrafted rookie free agents until the full list is officially announced by the Ravens. High draft picks such as Matt Elam and Brown are viewed more favorably than lower-round selections like Ryan Jensen and Aaron Mellette in terms of where they rank on the current depth chart. In many cases, roster holdovers from previous seasons have been given the nod over rookies with the full understanding that some — if not many — will be supplanted.

Teams are allowed to have a maximum of 90 players on their offseason roster.

Projected post-draft 2013 depth chart

Offense
QB: Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor, Caleb Hanie
RB: Ray Rice, Bernard Pierce, Anthony Allen, Bobby Rainey, Damien Berry, Lonyae Miller
FB: Vonta Leach, Kyle Juszczyk
WR: Torrey Smith, David Reed, LaQuan Williams, Aaron Mellette
WR: Jacoby Jones, Tandon Doss, Deonte Thompson, Tommy Streeter, Tori Gurley
TE: Dennis Pitta, Ed Dickson, Alex Silvestro
LT: Kelechi Osemele
LG: Jah Reid, Ramon Harewood, Antoine McClain
C: Gino Gradkowski, Ryan Jensen, Reggie Stephens
RG: Marshal Yanda, Ricky Wagner, Jack Cornell
RT: Michael Oher, David Mims

Defense
DE: Chris Canty, Pernell McPhee, DeAngelo Tyson, Kapron Lewis-Moore
NT: Haloti Ngata, Terrence Cody, Brandon Williams
DT: Arthur Jones, Marcus Spears, Swanson Miller
Rush: Terrell Suggs, John Simon, Michael McAdoo
Will: Arthur Brown, Rolando McClain, Albert McClellan, D.J. Bryant
Mike: Jameel McClain, Josh Bynes, Bryan Hall, Nigel Carr
Sam: Elvis Dumervil, Courtney Upshaw, Adrian Hamilton, Spencer Adkins
LCB: Lardarius Webb, Chykie Brown, Chris Johnson, Marc Anthony
SS: Matt Elam, James Ihedigbo, Christian Thompson
FS: Michael Huff, Emanuel Cook, Omar Brown, Anthony Levine
RCB: Corey Graham, Jimmy Smith, Asa Jackson

Special Teams
K: Justin Tucker
P: Sam Koch
LS: Morgan Cox
KR: Jacoby Jones, David Reed, Deonte Thompson
PR: Jacoby Jones, Tandon Doss, Lardarius Webb