Concerning the position of quarterback for the Ravens. Let the best man start on week one who ever it shall be.

That's pretty cool, considering that Nakamura is not under contract yet. Hopefully they'll get a deal done today -- at least he's emphasizing that he's serious.

I would like to see the Ravens recognize what Haruki Nakamura brings to the table (i.e. he's just a darn good football player, vs. some guy who wows everyone at the Combine then brings mediocrity to the football field) and place him in positions on the field to help the team.

(BTW -- doesn't the fact that he showed up indicate that he got signed?)

too bad he'll get cut

troy smith...pro bowl starter in hawaii 09

When are the Ravens going to sign the rest of their picks? Maybe they're planing to release all of the info today, because even though camp 'starts' today, they wont' be on the field till tomorrow.

When are the Ravens going to sign the rest of their picks? I hope they get everyone into camp on time. More than any other year, the rookies really need to get in on time. Out of everyone, Ray Rice is most pivotal to the Ravens this year.

Andrew:

I agree that Rice is important, but I don't know that he's more important than Flacco. I have some concerns about McGahee's conditioning/durability, so yes -- Rice (along with either Ross or PJ Daniels) is a major cog in the running game plan. But I wouldn't necessarily say Rice is more importnat than Bazooka Joe, even though Flacco's impact may not be felt as much this year as it hopefully will be next year.

And...depending on what happens with Clayton and Williams, Smith & Harper could be just as pivotal to the passing game as Rice will be to the running game.

All reports say Nakamura has got more than just a chance - he's been impressing in mini-camp. In fact, word is, Nakamura, Zbikowski and Leonhard are all in the running to be the 3rd safety behind Reed and Landry.

But his situation's a weird one - the Ravens are unlikely to keep five safeties on the roster and it seems unlikely they'll cut Zbikowski - he was brought in as a hybrid linebacker/safety and will probably see some play in the box this year. Even if he sucks, the Ravens have a plan in mind for him and they'll be willing to give him at least a season to see how it works out.

So really, it comes down to Nakamura and Leonhard. And between the two of them, Leonhard's veteran experience is more valuable than Nakamura's potential. So Nakamura has to prove himself now, impress the coaches at training camp and earn that 3rd safety spot. Anything less and the Ravens will probably choose to take the proven backup over the rookie.