Daily Caw: Five Ravens Who Need to Step up at OTAs

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marlon Brown (14) runs after a catch as Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Mike Mitchell (23) defends during the fourth quarter in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the Daily Caw, where we round up all the latest Baltimore Ravens news from around the web. Today we call out five players who need to step up in OTAs, Elvis Dumervil shoots for a big career milestone, preview the running back battle, and check in on Michael Campanaro.

Five Ravens that need to step up during OTAs – Clifton Brown, CSN Baltimore

"The Ravens begin OTA’s on Tuesday, as their offseason activities enter another phase. Here are five Ravens players who need to take a step up this offseason:Matt Elam – After a disappointing 2014, the Ravens’ safety enters his third season hoping to prove he is not a first-round bust."

Michael Campanaro eyes expanded role as wide receiver, kick returner for Ravens – Aaron Wilson, The Baltimore Sun

"“I’m extremely excited,” Campanaro told The Baltimore Sun as the Ravens prepared to start their first round of organized team activities this week at their training complex. “Rookie years are difficult for anyone getting on a new team and figuring out the playbook and adjusting to the NFL game. Year Two, I just feel more comfortable.“We basically kept our same offense. With another year in the system after going through installs and running plays, you feel way more comfortable. It’s like second nature. That should allow me to play faster because you know what you’re doing.”"

Elvis Dumervil shoots for a big career milestone – Clifton Brown, CSN Baltimore

"Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil should hit a career milestone next season – 100 career sacks.Dumervil will enter 2015 with 90 sacks, after equaling his career high with 17 in 2014. Watching the 31-year-old Dumervil play as well as he did last season gives the Ravens hope that he’ll continue to be one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers for a few more years."

Ravens rookie DeAndre Carter fulfills promise to deceased brother – Jamison Hensley, ESPN

"In August 2013, Carter’s younger brother Kaylan went into cardiac arrest during a weight training session and died at the age of 17 after being in a coma for two months. On his brother’s death bed, DeAndre Carter vowed to his brother that, no matter what, he was going to reach the NFL for both of them.“I made him a promise and we’re here,” Carter said. “Now, I made him another promise that I’m going to make it in this league and I’m going to have a long career here.”"

Lorenzo Taliaferro, Buck Allen battle for Ravens backup RB spot – Jamison Hensley, ESPN

"Taliaferro vs. Allen for the No. 2 spot. The primary backup to Forsett will be a major storyline throughout the offseason and the preseason. Pierce, the No. 2 back for the last three seasons, was cut after an embarrassing drunken driving arrest and he wasn’t guaranteed to hold that job again anyway after back-to-back disappointing seasons. The Ravens’ top options are two young backs who were drafted in the fourth round but bring different styles."

Next: Ravens OTAs: Five things to watch for

Daily Caw: Five Ravens Who Need to Step up at OTAs

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