The Competition: Defensive Line

In the coming days, BaltimoreRavens.com will offer previews of each position, focusing on who will be in the thick of the competition come training camp. Today, the defensive line takes the spotlight.

With all the accolades the Ravens' defense receives annually, both individually and as a unit, one would think that everyone would have some shiny trophy to put on their mantel.

Last spring, Baltimore boasted five defensive representatives at the Pro Bowl and two members of the Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team.

Kelly Gregg's honors involve a lunch box.

The 6-foot, 310-pound defensive tackle earned a spot on USA Today's All-Joe team, given to players that are critical to their team and do the dirty work, but don't get the recognition - basically summing up Gregg's game.

His value to the Ravens' defense, which finished 2006 with the NFL's top ranking, is exponential. With so many playmakers, like safety Ed Reed (one Pro Bowler) and linebacker Bart Scott (another), having a stout fireplug like Gregg at the point of attack is critical. The former Oklahoma state-champion wrestler uses leverage and expert technical skill to hold the line, allowing those behind him to sniff out the football.

But, the biggest surprise to the Ravens' coaching team - and many others in the NFL - is that most people are too quick to dismiss Gregg as a playmaker. The statistics refute this notion.

Gregg owns the most tackles of any interior lineman in the league since 2002, and posted his third-career 100-tackle season last year, posting 101 along with 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.

"He's always there and underrated from the standpoint that he doesn't get a lot of publicity. Not a lot of people talk about him," head coach Brian Billick said of the nose guard. "But if you check around the league and check with the coaches around the league, they'll tell you that Kelly Gregg's as good as there is in the middle."

One of these days, people will start talking. The Ravens see Gregg's worth, as evidenced by a four-year contract extension signed this offseason.

For now, Gregg is happy to stay low in the trenches, definitely under the radar.

Here is a breakdown of the defensive linemen on the Ravens' roster:

Kelly Gregg

2006: Starting all 16 games for the third time in his career, Gregg posted one of his statistically-best, as well. His impact showed up in the final defensive rankings, where the Ravens placed second in rushing yards allowed, only giving up 75.9 each week.

Forecast: The outlook for Gregg is bright. He added even more bulk to his already stout frame in the offseason. He'll retain his usual spot at the point of Baltimore's defense.

Haloti Ngata

2006: The Ravens' first-round draft pick last year was a mountain in the middle. Lining up next to Gregg for all 16 contests, the 340-pounder netted 51 tackles, three passes defensed and a sack. One highlight came in his first game in purple and black, when he snared an interception and returned it 60 yards.

Forecast: Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan talks about how Ngata never hit the "rookie wall" last year, and now that he could tailor his offseason training with what he knows to expect, the tackle can only get better in his second term.

Trevor Pryce

2006: Pryce was one of the most disruptive Ravens on defense last season, tallying a career-high 73 tackles and tying a career-high 13 sacks. Shockingly, he wasn't named to the Pro Bowl despite his efforts. Still, Pryce joined Gregg on the All-Joe team and earned All-Pro honors from Sports Illustrated.

Forecast: Entering his 11th year in the NFL, Pryce was interested in shaking up his training regimen this offseason, incorporating more mountain biking and soccer. Pryce, an accomplished soccer player, actually joined two competitive leagues in Denver. The change must have worked. When he participated in the Ravens' organized team activities (OTAs) this summer, he claimed he ran a 4.5-second 40.

Justin Bannan

2006: The big tackle out of Colorado was a key reserve after being signed from the Buffalo Bills. His season was cut short by a toe injury in Week 12, but in 11 games, he posted 20 tackles and a forced fumble.

Forecast: Bannan spent much of the offseason in a boot rehabbing his toe and coming off ankle surgery to clean up bone spurs, but he seemed to be at full strength at OTAs. His health is important for the depth of the line, as well as special teams, where he was a blocker on the wedge.

Dwan Edwards

2006: The former Ravens' second-round draft pick saw action in eight games, racking up 12 tackles and one pass defensed. When Bannan went down with his injury, Edwards stepped up in to a more expanded role.

Forecast: The loss of Aubrayo Franklin in free agency and an eye on Bannan's toe make Edwards a commodity for the Ravens. Entering his fourth season, the Ravens will be counting on him to blossom into a more-involved player.

Atiyyah Ellison

2006: Ellison was signed to the Ravens' practice squad on Sept. 12, where he toiled until the final month of the season. Joining the actice roster on Dec. 4, Ellison was a gameday inactive Weeks 14-17.

Forecast: At 6-3, 318 pounds, Ellison has the size to be an impact player on the line, and his knowledge of the Ravens' defense after one year with the team could prove to his benefit.

Keyonta Marshall

2006: Marshall spent time on the New York Jets' practice squad after being signed on Nov. 7.

Forecast: The 6-foot-1, 330-pounder has pro experience, having taken the field for one game in 2005 with the Philadelphia Eagles. After posting two tackles in the contest, he spent the remainder of the season on the practice squad.

Travis Leitko, Lawrence Wilson

2006: Leitko played in all 12 games for Notre Dame, when he returned to the team after leaving in 2004 to take care of his parents, both of whom had cancer. He posted 10 stops at defensive end. Wilson, a 293-pound tackle, had seven tackles and 1.5 sacks while a senior at Hawaii.

Forecast: The pair of rookie free agents face a tough battle in training camp. Leitko and Wilson must both prove their worth on special teams to crack the lineup. Even if they don't make the roster at the end of the preseason, if they impress there is a possibility that one of them could return to Baltimore. Last season, the Ravens signed two defensive linemen (Joe Minucci and Remi Ayodele) to the practice squad near the end of the season.