5 Things To Watch At Mandatory Minicamp, Ray Rice’s Suspension

Welcome to lunchtime links, where we round up all the Ravens news of the day in one convenient place so you don’t have to go scouring the web on your own.  It’s dangerous out there anyway.  Today we have tons of links to share on the eve of mandatory minicamp.  Thankfully it looks like Baltimore is one team that doesn’t have to worry about any no shows or contract standoffs this year.

The big news of the day is that Ray Rice and his wife met with the league yesterday and a decision is thought to be coming in the next couple of days on how much time he will miss.  Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post broke the news on Twitter, and is also hearing that the suspension could be worse than the expected 2-3 games.  Rumor has it the league is going to respond to the criticism it has received over handing out more stringent punishment for drug offenses than violent ones by making an example out of Rice.  4-6 games isn’t out of the question.

Shehan Peiris brings us the winners and losers of the Ravens offseason so far via The Bleacher Report.  We agree that Ricky Wagner is the biggest winner.  The Ravens took a huge leap of faith by not drafting any competition for the right tackle spot.  So far it appears that their faith is paying off, as Wagner is receiving a good bit of praise from the coaching staff.

The Ravens are bringing in competition for their third cornerback spot, including former first rounder Aaron Ross and veteran Drayton Florence.  The Baltimore Sun is reporting that Marquice Cole and Dominique Franks will also be in attendance.  All are bottom of the roster types at this point in their careers but could add valuable depth at a position that sorely needs it.  Florence in particular had a descent season last year, though he was playing behind the Panther’s dominant front seven.

Kyle Casey at RussellStreetReport.com is showcasing 6 Ravens hoping to return to form in 2014.  Flacco, Ray Rice, and Bernard Pierce are all good bets and should be re-energized by the new offensive system.  Many people are surprised that Ngata didn’t have the best year last year because the offense took so much heat, but he wasn’t his usual dominant self either.  If the offense can sustain drives this year it will go a long way in helping the D stay fresh.

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Clifton Brown at CSN Baltimore has five things to watch at mandatory minicamp.  I for one am excited to see the new offense unfolding, especially how the players respond.  If you’re a big fantasy guy or gal this could pay dividends later.  A lot of people will be sleeping on the Raven’s O after last season.

Former Raven and Colt Dallas Clark announced his retirement from the NFL via the Colts official website.  One of the original “move” tight ends who served as Peyton Manning’s security blanket during his formidable Colts years, Clark helped to usher in a new era at the position.

And finally, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley thinks that Gary Kubiak’s system will suit Joe Flacco.  Though Kubiak isn’t known for taking a large quantity of deep shots, an improved running game should help take off some pressure.  Flacco will also be working to get rid of the ball more quickly, which should help to significantly cut back on the relentless beating he took last year.

Jun 12, 2013; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) between drills during mini camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports