The Competition: Tackles

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 tackles take the spotlight.

While the Ravens weren't necessarily waiting on pins and needles earlier this offseason, a collective sigh of relief rippled throughout the team when Jonathan Ogden made his late-April decision to put off retirement.

There had been much speculation whether the 10-time Pro Bowler would return for his 12th season. A nagging toe injury to close out the 2006 campaign made the simple act of walking painful, but a bitter playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts left him hungry for at least one more shot at a title.

"A lot of factors just weighed into it, and I just decided the toe was going to be OK," he said while at Ravens headquarters for organized team activities (OTAs) last month. "We were close last year, and I want to try to get another ring before I go. That was basically the deciding factor."

With Ogden firmly entrenched at the left tackle position, the Ravens know quarterback Steve McNair's back side will be well-protected, and the club is confident that Adam Terry will admirably step in for the departed Tony Pashos at right tackle.

The best battles of training camp will be for the pecking order of the second wave of blockers, where Mike Kracalik, Marshal Yanda and Steve Edwards will all see extensive time for evaluation.

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

Jonathan Ogden

2006: Despite the toe injury, J.O. was every bit the stalwart he's been since the Ravens made him their first-ever draft pick. The durable tackle missed two games to close out the season before returning for the postseason matchup with the Colts. He was the key cog in an offensive line that only allowed 17 sacks all year, second to Indianapolis' 15 given up.

Forecast: During the Ravens' mandatory three-day minicamp, Ogden mainly stayed on the sideline or in the weight room to allow his toe to continue to heal before training camp, but he affirmed that he had been keeping in shape in his Las Vegas home. Once he takes the practice field, his leadership will be a boon for many of the younger Baltimore offensive linemen.

Adam Terry

2006: Throughout his career, Terry had mainly seen spot duty as a second-string tackle and on special teams, but he logged his first two starts last year when he closed out the final two games of the season at left tackle for Ogden. In those contests, the Ravens did not allow a single sack.

Forecast: While Ogden was deliberating on his decision to retire, there was speculation of whether Terry, a left tackle at Syracuse, would play on the right or left side this year. It's now evident that he'll be filling in for Pashos. Terry has been tirelessly working on his strength, speed and stamina at the Ravens' training facility all offseason, and it showed during OTAs when he lined up with the first team.

Mike Kracalik

2006: The 6-foot-8, 337-pound Kracalik spent most of the campaign on the practice squad before joining the active roster on Dec. 30. With Terry moving up to the staring lineup against the Buffalo Bills, Kracalik dressed and contributed on special teams.

Forecast: Kracalik is another regular in Owings Mills, Md., where he has been fully committed to the Ravens' offseason conditioning program. Because Ogden chooses to spend much of his time training out west, the San Diego State alumnus was plugged in with the starters during OTAs. Such experience is invaluable to the young lineman.

Steve Edwards

2006: As a member of the New York Giants, Edwards played in three contests on special teams after being signed off the street on Dec. 13. But, the four-year veteran has 41 games of experience under his belt, as he was formerly a part-time starter for the Chicago Bears from 2003-05, mainly at guard.

Forecast: The Ravens picked up the 6-foot-5, 333-pounder on June 11, limiting Edwards to only three practices. Still, his versatility to play either guard or tackle could make him an asset. A strong training camp is crucial for Edwards.

Marshal Yanda

2006: When Yanda was taken with the 86th-overall pick (third round) of April's NFL Draft, it was evident that the Ravens were looking for a tough, multi-talented offensive lineman. The Iowa alumnus finished out his collegiate career starting at right tackle in eight contests and at left tackle in the other 5, including the Alamo Bowl against Texas. He also served as offensive team co-captain.

Forecast: The Ravens have historically brought young offensive linemen along slowly, as in Terry's case, so expect Yanda to spend much of the season contributing on special teams. In OTA's, he stepped in as second-string right tackle.