Fantasy Impact: Below Average

Offensive Outlook: The drafting of QB Joe Flacco and RB Ray Rice certainly signifies that the Ravens are looking toward the future after several years of running in place. Couple that with the retirement of Steve McNair, and you might think that the Ravens might not be the same ol’, same ol’ in 2008.

But the truth is that those rookies are not likely to be major contributors right away, and so, with a few exceptions, Baltimore once again isn’t the place you want to look on Fantasy Draft Day.

QUARTERBACK: The McNair retirement likely puts the ball in Kyle Boller’s hands to start, and that’s not a very exciting prospect. Boller, even when he plays well, is more of a game manager than a light-up-the-board type. Troy Smith beat the Steelers in the season finale and has running ability to get some cheap points if he gets a chance to play.

Flacco is the heir apparent, but his jump from a lower college level to the NFL is far too great for you to expect anything very soon. More than likely he’ll be a cadddy for most of the year, and the Baltimore passing attack will remain uninspired.

RUNNING BACKS: Although he might never be the explosive type that we all expected out of college, Willis McGahee is a dependable fantasy producer. He’ll churn out close to 300 carries, which he needs because he averages under 4 yards a pop for his career. He added better receiving skills last season and he’s still just 26, so if you can get him mid-2nd round, that’s fine. I’d prefer him as a 2nd fantasy back though, just because his skills and this offense aren’t conducive to the explosive games that you need from a go-to guy. Rice is small, but you can’t knock his college production. He’ll get his share of touches and would be an excellent fourth back on your roster.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: Derrick Mason managed 1,000 yards for the 6th time in 7 years, although he managed it without a 100-yard game. He did top 70 yards 10 times though, and he picked up a careeer-high 103 receptions at age 33. All this means he’s a perfect #3 receiver on a fantasy team, capable of giving you decent production if he has to be in the lineup. Mark Clayton followed up his breakout 2006 with a measly 531 yards and didn’t catch a TD. He’s always hurt and is worth no more than a flier in the closing rounds. The depth is so poor that 4th-round draft pick Marcus Smith could be the number-three receiver.

At tight end, Todd Heap couldn’t shake a hamstring injury last year. He’s often banged up, but when healthy, he’s good for around 750 yards and 5-7 scores, which makes him a solid option at the position. Quinn Sypniewski, who filled in for him last year, is out for all of 2008 after a minicamp injury.