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Daily Caw: Ravens Top NFL Power Rankings, Tray Walker Impressing at OTAs

By Brett Foote

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May 28, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws a pass during training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the Daily Caw, where we round up all the latest Baltimore Ravens news from around the web.  Today is about redemption, as the Ravens have finally gotten some respect.  At least in the form of Peter King’s latest NFL power rankings, where he has them ranked number one.  We also check out a “bulked up” Crockett Gillmore and wonder if 2015 will be Justin Tucker’s last in Baltimore.

NFL power rankings: Baltimore Ravens top 2015 offseason edition – Peter King, Sports Illustrated

"Why? I trust John Harbaugh to find answers in a league devoid of a truly great team. I trust the running game to take pressure off Joe Flacco until he develops chemistry with new receivers, and I trust Dean Pees to replace Haloti Ngata with a combination platter of front-seven changeups. This is a battle-tested team that had two 14-point playoff leads in Foxboro last January. I just think the Ravens will find a way."

Urschel taking turn at center, too – Bo Smolka, CSN Baltimore

"Urschel, a fifth-round draft pick in 2014, started two games at left guard last season while Kelechi Osemele was injured, then filled in admirably as starting right guard after Wagner’s injury, with Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda moving to tackle. If Wagner suffers any kind of setback this summer, that could be the Ravens look up front when the season begins in September.But Urschel, who turns 24 this month, is also apparently being groomed as the backup center with Gino Gradkowski gone to Denver. You don’t need to be a math genius like Urschel to recognize that such versatility only adds to Urschel’s value."

Forsett has a chance to join exclusive list of running backs – Clifton Brown, CSN Baltimore

"As Kevin Seifert of ESPN pointed out, only nine NFL running backs have ever surpassed 1,400 yards in a season after turning 30. Thomas Jones was the last back to do it, gaining 1,402 yards for the Jets in 2009 at age 31.Forsett will turn 30 years old in October, making him one of the league’s oldest No. 1 backs. Only three other teams are going with No. 1 backs over 30 – the Bears with Matt Forte, the Colts with Frank Gore, and the Giants with Rashad Jennings."

Will Hill ‘light years’ ahead of last year – Ryan Mink, BaltimoreRavens.com

"“I almost say [he is] light-years ahead of where he was last year,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said last week.Hill is so far ahead for three main reasons: he’s had more time to prepare, he’s in fantastic shape and he’s personally matured."

Bulked up Crockett Gillmore ready for more catches – Ryan Mink, BaltimoreRavens.com

"Now, with Daniels gone to Denver and Pitta’s health status uncertain, Gillmore is in position to be the Ravens’ starting tight end and perhaps flip his block first, catch second role.“I’ll continue that [blocking], but I’ll also be a split-out guy, too,” Gillmore said. “I’ve always had in my mind that I could catch the ball. Other people may question it, but people who watched practice every day knew I could.”"

Tucker’s last season in Baltimore? – Tony Lombardi, Russell Street Report

"Justin Tucker will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2015 season. But even if the Ravens fail to sign him to a new deal he will still be in Baltimore in 2016. Here’s why…"

Rookie CB Walker making good early impression – Clifton Brown, CSN Baltimore

"“Tray has done well,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “(We’re) really excited about Tray. He’s a guy that we had targeted. We really hoped to get him in the draft. He’s a guy that we wanted to get in the mid rounds. We were looking to try and draft him, and we were able to do it. We know for a fact that he would have been gone with our next pick in the fifth round. He was going to be taken early in the fifth round, so we got him right in the right spot – great kudos to (assistant general manager) Eric (DeCosta) and (general manager) Ozzie (Newsome) for getting that done – and we’re pleased to have him. He looks very good out here.”"

Ravens roster review: Chris Canty trying to hold on to starting job – Jamison Hensley, ESPN

"Canty was re-signed after being let go for salary-cap purposes. He is a good leader and he held up well against the run. But Canty is going to have to hold off some talented young linemen if he wants to remain an NFL starter for a 10th consecutive season. Davis, the team’s top draft pick on defense this year, could potentially end up at defensive end. Urban, a fourth-round pick from a year ago, is a prototypical end if he can rebound from a season-ending knee injury. Guy and Lewis-Moore are also candidates as well. If Canty doesn’t start, the Ravens’ first-team line would consist of three players under the age of 27."

Next: Tray Walker: 2015 Predictions

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