The Competition: Backfield

In the coming week, BaltimoreRavens.com will offer previews of each position, focusing on who will be in the thick of the competition come training camp. Today, the running backs and fullbacks take the spotlight.

When the Ravens added Willis McGahee this offseason, they immediately found a way to get more weapons on the field.

McGahee's ability to excel in a single-back offense, using deft moves and speed packed into a deceptively stout 232-pound frame, allows head coach Brian Billick to mix up the receiving personnel more often. But McGahee's sure hands also add him to a list of options that includes Todd Heap, Mark Clayton, Derrick Mason, Demetrius Williams and Daniel Wilcox.

After a preliminary look at the offensive unit during the Ravens' organized team activities last month, Billick is looking forward to starting the experiment in training camp.

"We think our talent at tight end and receiver match up better with Willis' style and what you do with a Willis McGahee than with what we've had in years past," said the coach. "So, the matchups look pretty good right now."

During those moments when Billick opts to insert a lead blocker, just who will be in front of McGahee is still to be determined.

Free agency claimed Ovie Mughelli, who finished the 2006 campaign as the definite starter, seemingly opening up the spot for second-stringer Justin Green. Then when the Ravens took bruising back Le'Ron McClain in the fourth round of April's NFL Draft, an entirely new battle was laid out for August.

McGahee claims that the transition of teaming up with a new blocker won't take long, but that won't take place until training camp when McClain and Green put on the pads.

"[Achieving that chemistry] isn't tough for me," the former Buffalo Bill said. "I've had to do it my whole career. We'll just take it to camp and get ready to hit."

Considering each fullback tops 250 pounds on the scales (McClain is 260 pounds, Green is 251), either one can keep the hits coming.

Here is a breakdown of the running backs and fullbacks on the Ravens' roster:

RB Willis McGahee

2006: While in Buffalo, McGahee started 14 games after missing two contests with a rib injury. The multi-dimensional threat finished with 259 carries for 990 yards and six scores, while also pulling in 18 receptions for 156 yards.

Forecast: From the moment he signed, McGahee was handed the reins of the rushing attack. He's been a regular around Ravens headquarters all offseason, determined to return to his 1,000-yard-topping form. Despite not breaking the barrier last year, McGahee still averaged 1,121.6 yards over three seasons.

RB Musa Smith

2006: The former third-round draft pick's season was cut short after 12 contests, as he was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury. When Smith was in the lineup, he was a regular contributor, pitching in 153 rushing yards and 135 receiving.

Forecast: The Ravens are hoping this is the year Smith can stay on the field for a full 16-game set. From the looks of the five-year veteran in organized team activities (OTAs), he's been able to get healthy with a dedicated offseason of rehab. More will be revealed once he puts on the pads.

RB Mike Anderson

2006: Due to Jamal Lewis' good health throughout the year, Anderson didn't see much action. But, when he did, Anderson made an impact, carrying the ball 39 times for 183 yards (4.7 avg.), including an explosive 34-yard touchdown in Week 2 against Oakland.

Forecast: Anderson is one of the more capable backups in the league. The 2000 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has two 1,000-yard campaigns to his credit, and his veteran leadership provide stability to Baltimore's locker room.

RB P.J. Daniels

2006: After becoming the second of two fourth-round draft picks (132nd overall), Daniels made it to the 53-man roster, where he stayed all year. He did not see any action, though, as he became a gameday scratch every weekend.

Forecast: During OTAs, Daniels looked every bit the speedy running back the Ravens drafted, as he got extended playing time when McGahee and Anderson weren't around. The loquacious Georgia Tech alumnus could see a more active role if he shows that he can contribute on special teams.

RB Cory Ross

2006: An undrafted free agent out of Nebraska, Ross' inclusion on the final roster proved to be a crucial move, as he stepped in when return specialist B.J. Sams went on injured reserve in Week 13. Ross averaged 21.6 yards per kickoff return and 2.8 yards per punt return.

Forecast: Ross will face stiff competition in training camp, where his main focus will be on special teams. He came through in the clutch last season, but a healthy Sams and lightning-quick draft pick Yamon Figurs will all challenge for return duties.

RB Greg Pruitt, Jr.

2006: As a senior at North Carolina Central University, this 5-foot-9, 210-pounder helped his team to a perfect 11-0 regular-season record by rushing for 733 yards and six scores on 145 attempts. Pruitt's ability was on display when he compiled a season-high 147 all-purpose yards against Elizabeth City State University.

Forecast: Pruitt has potential, evidenced by his school-record 3,008 career rushing yards and title as the only player in NCCU history to break 1,000 yards twice (2004 and '05). He'll have to show that in camp to earn a roster spot.

FB Justin Green

2006: Playing in 12 contests before his season ended early with the knee injury, Green was mainly a force on special teams, posting 12 stops in the kicking game. He did not have any carries, but hauled in four receptions for 17 yards.

Forecast: Even if McClain emerges into a starting role, the former fifth-round draft pick will still be an asset to the team with his special teams prowess and added depth.

FB Le'Ron McClain

2006: McClain was a devastating blocker at Alabama. He was a key cog in a rushing offense that racked up 1,600 yards in 2006, averaging 123.1 per game. McClain also finished fourth on the Crimson Tide with 20 catches for 175 yards.

Forecast: Look for McClain attempting to lay some big hits early in training camp to set a standard. He was also a special teams contributor in college, which must be appealing to Ravens coordinator Frank Gansz, Jr.