Jan 15, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Desmond Bishop (55) breaks up a pass intended for New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard (85) during the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE-STAR LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Today, after a few weeks of speculation, the Packers have finally released linebacker Desmond Bishop. Despite the fact that the Ravens linebacking corp is getting a little crowded, I feel like they should look into him.

The Ravens have 3 guys that I think they would feel good about starting right now in Arthur Brown, Jameel McClain and Daryl Smith, but all three of them have serious questions. Brown is a rookie, McClain still hasnt been medically cleared to play football again and Smith spent almost all of last season on IR.

Bishop was also on IR all of last year, but bringing in a 4th guy for the rotation wouldnt be a bad idea. that way the Ravens can lose 2 ILBs and still have 2 starters. before anyone says losing 2 is unlikely, The Ravens lost both of their starters, Lewis and McClain, over the course of last season. Thankfully last year Ellerbe emerged and Ray Lewis returned before the Ravens found themselves in desperate need inside, but it could have easily ended in a first round exit rather than a superbowl championship. Depth is never a bad thing.

Bishop is a bigtime impact player when he is healthy and would be a great addition for the team. It would also allow the Ravens to play a heavy rotation to help all their recently injured players from getting injured again by not pushing them as hard. The Ravens new look defense is all about flexibility and depth, Bishop should be the next step in that process. He shouldnt be very expensive and would likely be open to signing a one or two year deal and then hitting the market at 30 to get one more big payday if he can prove himself to be healthy and able. Bishop and the Ravens could be a match made in heaven.

May 23, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) during OTA drills at the team practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens offseason workouts are essentially finished, and one player has stood out above all others. That man is Jimmy Smith, the Ravens third year “draft disappointment”. Smith has a new boxing program that has raised his speed and conditioning levels and he is also about 12 lbs lighter than he was last year(or at any point in his NFL career).

I have always bee a fan of Jimmy Smith. I was pulling for him on draft night and I have been defending him for 2 years as a player. When he gets on the field healthy, which has essentially only been in the playoffs in both of his seasons, he has played remarkably well. he had 2 INTs in 3 games to end the season in 2011. this year he played very well in the New England and San Francisco games and even almost singlehandedly(with an assist from the pressure applied by the Ravens front 7) held the niners on their final goalline stand. Smith was in coverage on all three of the Crabtree pass attempts. Crabtree didnt get any of them and Smith even knocked Crabtrees block off on one.

Smith has had an issue with health, not playing a full season(or even close to a full season) in either of his two years, but hopeflly this will be the year that changes. If Smith stays healthy I think he will win a starting job and could even play at a probowl level this year. I really havent talked to a sigle person that had a bad thing to say about how he looks right now.

Smith is poised for a big year.

Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Bryant McKinnie (78) against the Denver Broncos during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Because It is always the case, there was a lot of concern as to whether Bryant McKinnie would actually show up in shape and good to go for OTAs and Minicamps. McKinnie started strong by actually showing up to OTAs(which are voluntary) which he has never done as a Raven. He kept it up by reporting to mandatory minicamps, which he failed to do last year because of a mysterious back injury that he had his chiropractor send a doctors note for and never even bothered to call and say he wasnt coming.

When McKinnie has shown up the past two years, he has been way out of shape and that led to him not playing at all in the regular season last year. This year though, McKinnie is off on the right foot after he has shown up to nearly all the offseason activities, been a regular fixture in the castle and is in much better shape than he was at this time last year(10-15lbs lighter and in much better conditioning).

This is all great news for the Ravens. If the Ravens offense can put up points and force opponents to play from behind, they are going to be very difficult to beat boasting two of the leagues best pass rushers in Suggs and Dumervil and one of the leagues best defensive lineman (if not the best in the league). let that group pin their ears back and get after a QB who is forced to take to the air and play catch up…yikes.

Stay in shape Bryant. If you do, you might be putting some more jewelry in your safe this time next year.