ed dickson

I know you want to pick some of the guys in purple for your team -- heck, in my auction league, I somehow wound up with Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin and Billy Cundiff -- but the key is making sure you don't reach for them. Here's when you should draft each of your favorite Ravens.

A lack of big plays in 2010 prompted the Ravens to overhaul their passing attack (again). They cut ties with veterans Derrick Mason, Todd Heap and T.J. Houshmandazeh; brought in speedy veteran wide receiver Lee Evans; drafted a pair of rookie wideouts in Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss; and went with youth at tight end, where second-year players Ed Dickson and Ed Pitta have both spent time with the first-team offense.

Ravens No. 1 pick Smith gets start at CB, Chiefs test him

Ravens: Owner Steve Bisciotti hired John Harbaugh to unite the offense and defense; he also thinks a new contract for Haloti Ngata could be finalized soon

The Orioles expected their negotiations with Dylan Bundy to go right down to Monday night's midnight deadline, and it did, but they got the deal done (the Orioles signed two other top targets, too). ... The Orioles had a winning night on the field as well, beating the Athletics in Oakland. ... Brian Matusz on Tuesday night will make his first major-league start in more than a month. ... Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy was named the American League Player of the Week. ... David Reed was activated from the physically-unable-to-perform list, and he expressed a desire to be a more regular member of the Ravens offense.

Dennis Pitta, a second-year tight end, started in the Ravens' 13-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason opener for both teams last Thursday.

The NFL preseason is already upon us -- the days have been flying by since the lockout ended, haven¿t they? -- and the Ravens¿ exhibition opener against the Eagles is one of a handful of games on Thursday night¿s slate.

While the Eagles made headlines with big-name signings, the Ravens will rely on young players stepping up

Quarterback Joe Flacco is scheduled to play the first quarter of the Ravens' preseason opener at the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. Backups Tyrod Taylor and Hunter Cantwell know how much playing time they will get, too.

Ravens camp highlights, Aug. 9: Torrey Smith almost makes a nice grab

Running back Ricky Williams agreed to a two-year deal with the Ravens on Monday. ... Sergio Kindle will finally make his Ravens debut against the Eagles, but tight end Ed Dickson is likely out for Thursday's preseason opener with a hamstring injury. ... Free-agent receiver Jerricho Cotchery will visit the Ravens on Tuesday. ... J.J. Hardy hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the seventh inning Monday night, but the Orioles blew the lead and lost to the White Sox. ... Jo-Jo Reyes will make his first start for the Orioles on Tuesday night.

Ravens notes: With Birk injured, Bryan Mattison gets a chance at center Son of former defensive coordinator Greg Mattison played center on the scout team last season

Ravens camp highlights for Aug. 8

In a recent item on Pro Football Talk, Mike Florio wrote that the Ravens' "free-agency gamble" -- releasing veterans Willis McGahee, Todd Heap, Derrick Mason and Kelly Gregg -- blew up on them. Each player opted to sign elsewhere instead of staying here at a reduced rate, leaving the Ravens looking for replacements.

Ravens first-round pick Jimmy Smith returns to the field, albeit briefly, as he fights through a groin injury

Veteran receiver Anquan Boldin came to Baltimore to win a Super Bowl, but knows that he'll need to provide more than receptions this year

Ravens camp highlights: Flacco's throws have zip, Cundiff makes long kicks

Ravens highlights for Aug. 5

Ravens star linebacker has never made Pro Bowl in consecutive years

During a red-zone exercise, the offense picked on free safety Tom Zbikowski, who was participating in his first practice of training camp and filling in for seven-time Pro Bowler Ed Reed.

Offense has trouble protecting the quarterbacks and Ravens defense turns up pressure

Ravens: Ravens add fullback Vonta Leach but lose tight end Todd Heap. Longtime go-to receiver heads to Cardinals as proven run-blocker comes aboard.

Four-month lockout and abbreviated training camp could put NFL players at risk.

The Ravens struck a deal with Marshal Yanda, agreeing Tuesday afternoon to a five-year deal with the offensive lineman that is believed to average a little more than $6 million per season. ... With Yanda locked up, the Ravens' focus now turns to re-signing cornerback Josh Wilson. ... Domonique Foxworth is ready to get back on the field. ... The Orioles pounded out four home runs en route to a rare win in Toronto. ... Vladimir Guerrero was activated from the disabled list.

On Tuesday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh confirmed that the Ravens were releasing four veteran leaders who had contributed more than 1,000 catches, 100 touchdowns and 500 tackles combined to the franchise.

Embattled Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor announced through his attorney Tuesday that he would not play for the Buckeyes this upcoming season.

Last week, I chatted with Matt Williamson of ESPN¿s Scouts Inc., and I got plenty of mileage out of our 15-minute phone conversation.

After the Ravens lost to the Steelers in the AFC Divisional Round in January, the front office and coaching staff have taken every opportunity to let Baltimore know that they have the Steel City in their crosshairs. Matt Williamson of ESPN's Scouts Inc. told me Wednesday that he expects the Ravens to again be one of the league's best teams in 2011, though they are still a "smidge" behind the Steelers in the AFC North because of one distinct advantage.

In the weeks leading up to April's NFL draft, I will highlight four players at each position whom the Ravens could target at different stages in the draft -- from their top pick to their Mr. Irrelevant. In this post, I will focus on tight ends.