Returning Players

Lardarius Webb (5-foot-10, 182 pounds, ninth season)
Eric Weddle (5-11, 195, 11th season)
Anthony Levine Sr. (5-11, 200, sixth season)

Free-Agent Signings

Otha Foster (6-0, 205, first season)
Tony Jefferson (5-11, 212, fifth season)

Rookies

Chuck Clark (6-0, 210, Virginia Tech)
Daniel Henry (6-0, 186, New Mexico)

Projected Starters

There is zero debate about who the Ravens' two starting safeties will be this season. Weddle and Jefferson may be the best duo in the league. The addition of Jefferson will allow Weddle to move around the defense more this year, as they are both interchangeable parts capable of covering deep or around the line of scrimmage. Watch for Jefferson to be especially useful in locking down short and intermediate routes with tight ends, running backs and slot receivers.

Key Role Players

Webb made a smooth transition from cornerback to safety last year and played well. He made 73 tackles, logged one sack and notched one interception. He'll be the top backup in case either one of the Ravens' starters goes down, and could even fill in at cornerback in a pinch. Anthony Levine, who received a three-year extension this offseason, is a versatile player who can play safety or drop down as an extra cover linebacker. He's also a major piece of the Ravens' special teams unit.

Most Anticipated Battle

The battle* *for a fifth safety spot is between Clark, Foster and Henry. Clark is a sixth-round pick who has a nose for the football and should be a strong special teams player. The Ravens got Foster out of the Canadian Football League and Henry brings a lot of college experience (25 starts). It will likely come down to who performs best for Special Teams Coordinator Jerry Rosburg.