The Competition: Wide Receivers

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 wide receivers take the spotlight.

For the majority of Brian Billick's tenure as the Ravens' head coach, depth at wide receiver was nothing more than a deep-seated desire. Despite various acquisitions, an impact wide receiver remained largely foreign to the Ravens' offense.

That trend began to change in the 2005 offseason when the Ravens signed two-time Pro Bowler Derrick Mason. Mason contributed immediately, posting Baltimore's first 1,000-yard receiving season since Qadry Ismail in 2001.

Adding Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams in subsequent drafts has further bolstered the Ravens' receiving corps. With the talented triplet of receivers, and help from tight end Todd Heap, 2006 marked the first year under Billick in which the passing offense ranked in the top-half of the league.

The influx of talent has also changed public perception of Baltimore's pass-catchers. Long regarded as one of the NFL's most lackluster groups, ESPN.com's Scouts, Inc. recently ranked the Raven's receivers among the top-10 in the league. Football Outsiders, which provides statistically-based football analysis, rated the Ravens' group as the NFL's fourth-best.

"We're encouraged as an offense," said offensive coordinator, Rick Neuheisel. "We certainly have some weapons to get the ball to."

For the sake of the Ravens' passing game, the weapons are a welcome addition.

Here is a breakdown of the wide receivers on the Ravens' roster:

Derrick Mason

2006: It's hard to be the new guy. But Mason's familiar set of hands eased the transition for quarterback Steve McNair. After finishing second on the team in receptions and receiving yards, Mason maintained his position as a vital piece of the Ravens' passing game.

Forecast: Mason will continue to be a critical factor in the evolution of the Ravens' passing offense. His savvy and experience make him a top target for McNair and an invaluable mentor for the team's young receivers.

Mark Clayton

2006: After a promising rookie season in 2005, Clayton took the next big step, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. He also had four games with over 100 yards, proving to be the dynamic playmaker that made him a first-round pick.

Forecast: Clayton's breakout performance in 2006 created league-wide buzz. Sports Illustrated recently ranked him as one of the top-25 receivers in the game. After adding 10 pounds of muscle in the off-season, Clayton is poised to continue his ascension among the NFL's elite receivers.

Demetrius Williams

2006: After averaging a team-best 18.0 yards-per-catch, Williams showed why people around the league were calling him one of the draft's biggest steals. The big-play threat heated up as the season went on, recording his first 100-yard game in Week 15 against Cleveland.

Forecast: Williams' rare blend of size, speed and body control have the coaches gushing over his potential. The enthusiasm extends beyond the organization, with NFL commentator Adam Schein naming Williams as one of nine "breakout stars" for 2007.

Yamon Figurs

2006: An explosive player at Kansas State, Figurs' senior season netted an honorable mention as an All-Big 12 receiver, and first-team honors for his ability as a return-man. But his biggest play came in February, when he ran an NFL Combine-best 4.30-second 40.

Forecast: Figurs factors heavily into the team's plans a return specialist. But with his world-class speed, the coaches will certainly try to get the ball in his hands on offense, as well.

Devard Darling

2006: Darling was active for the season-opening shut-out at Tampa Bay and was a gameday inactive for the remainder of the season.

Forecast: In his fourth year out of Washington State, Darling's size and athleticism make him a viable option at receiver. Neuheisel predicts a "spirited competition" between Darling and fellow fourth-year man Clarence Moore to be the team's fourth receiver.

Clarence Moore

2006: Seeing action in 10 games and starting one, Moore recorded his only two catches of the season in game seven against New Orleans, one of which was a touchdown.

Forecast: A giant target at 6-foot-6, Moore looks to earn a spot as the Ravens' No. 4 wideout. Look for him to battle in training camp with Darling and Figurs for the job.

Romby Bryant, Damien Linson, Matt Willis

2006: Bryant spent most of 2006 on the Ravens' practice squad. As a receiver for Central Michigan, Linson was the MVP of the MAC Championship game. With only two years of football experience, Willis started three games as a senior for UCLA.

Forecast: Bryant, who has spent time with Atlanta and in NFL Europa, will utilize his size and experience to try and win a job, while Linson and Willis, a former track star, will try to impress the coaches with their speed. One of these players will need a strong showing in training camp - most notably on special teams - to win a spot on the roster.