The Competition

In the coming weeks, BaltimoreRavens.com will offer previews of each position, focusing on who will be in the thick of the competition come training camp. Today, the guards take the spotlight.

Despite losing eight-year stalwart Edwin Mulitalo this offseason, the Ravens have ample depth at the guard position, which will make training camp all the more interesting in the interior of the offensive line.

There are currently nine players on the roster that can play guard, so the fact that Baltimore can keep the best group available has the coaching and personnel team excited for the battles that will take place during three weeks of practice and four preseason games.

"Our offensive line depth is at an all-time high since I've been here," said offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel. "We have a lot of young guys working hard to learn what's going on. So, it will be fun to watch those guys go through two-a-days and get lots of snaps in the preseason games and see who our best five are.

"Beyond the best five, we'll have six, seven and eight that are very confident players also."

Offensive line coach Chris Foerster shuffled things up from the start of Ravens minicamps earlier this month, plugging 2006 draft pick Chris Chester into the starting lineup at right guard for incumbent Keydrick Vincent. Three-year veteran Jason Brown continues manning the spot next to left tackle Jonathan Ogden.

In addition, the Ravens added two big bodies through this year's draft: first-rounder Ben Grubbs, the top guard in this year's rookie class, and Marshal Yanda, an absolute mauler that projects to play either guard or tackle, in the third round.

Here is a breakdown of the guards on the Ravens' roster:

Jason Brown

2006: After contributing in a backup role since he was selected in the fourth round of the 2005 draft, Brown stepped up to the first string when Mulitalo suffered a season-ending triceps injury in Week 4. Brown steadily improved over the year and ended up being a crucial cog in an offensive line that allowed a franchise-low 17 sacks.

Forecast: Brown enters training camp with no question marks over his position, as his performance last season and hard work during organized team activities (OTAs) leave him the starter at left guard, as he may also push veteran Mike Flynn for the starting center position.

Chris Chester

2006: The young Raven grew up a lot when Vincent was sidelined for four games for thigh and groin injuries. Chester started four games at right guard, but even saw brief action at left guard. His athletic ability makes him available to switch to center, as well.

Forecast: Chester's been a regular at the Ravens' facility all offseason, adding noticeable bulk to his stout 6-foot-3 frame without losing any of his trademark quickness. Chester will be valuable at guard, but it's no guarantee that he will finish the season there.

Keydrick Vincent

2006: Vincent was on and off the field for four games with the aforementioned injuries, closing out the regular season on the bench because he aggravated his groin. But, Vincent took the extra week due to a playoff bye to get back into the lineup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Forecast: After starting for two years in Baltimore, it was almost odd to see Vincent on the second team, where he'll enter training camp. But, the physical veteran has been working hard in the offseason to fully recover from any lingering injuries, which he says are healed.

Ben Grubbs

2006: Grubbs was one of the most-heralded linemen coming out of college this year. At Auburn, he was voted first-team All-SEC for his efforts as a senior. Grubbs is known as a physical athlete with superb technique.

Forecast: Grubbs was impressive during workouts, as all the pre-daft hype seemed to be correct in regards to technique and athleticism. How he does when the pads come on is another story, but Grubbs will certainly push for a starting guard spot - perhaps by the end of training camp, but more possibly by the end of the season.

Marshal Yanda

2006: Honing his skills at Iowa under former Ravens assistant coach Kirk Ferentz, Yanda enjoyed great success as a Hawkeye, but had to work to do it. He started games at left guard and both right and left tackle, and as a senior, he was named the team's offensive MVP.

Forecast: Yanda saw time at tackle during OTAs, as Ogden stayed on the sideline or in the weight room for the majority of the practices. At 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, the rookie will be an asset providing depth along the line.

Brian Rimpf

2006: Rimpf came on strong in 2005 when he started seven games for Vincent (groin) and saw action in 15 contests, but the promise that the East Carolina product showed was derailed when he injured his hamstring in training camp. The Ravens placed Rimpf on injured reserve on Sept. 2, and the 6-foot-5, 319-pound guard was sidelined for the season.

Forecast: Nearly a year has passed since the hamstring injury, and Rimpf is confident that he's back to 100 percent. He was at team headquarters religiously this offseason, hoping to avoid another setback in the coming training camp and return to his past form.

Steve Edwards

2006: The Ravens only recently signed Edwards, but he's had previous experience playing in 41 career games (24 starts) with the Chicago Bears and New York Giants. Last season, the 6-foot-5, 333-pounder took the field in three contests after getting picked up by the Giants on Dec. 13.

Forecast: Edwards has a steep hill to climb, as all of his competition has experience with the Ravens and Foerster, but he has the experience to know what he has to do to make the final roster.