2002 RECORD: 7-9 TEAM RANK (NFL): Defense (22nd); Offense (26th) ADDITIONS: Free agents -- CB Corey Fuller (Browns), FB Harold Morrow (Vikings), WR Frank Sanders (Cardinals), WR Marcus Robinson (Bears). Draft picks -- 1a. DE Terrell Suggs (Arizona State); 1b. Kyle Boller (California); 3. RB Musa Smith (Georgia); 4a. DT Jarrett Johnson (Alabama); 4b. FB Ovie Mughelli (Wake Forest); 5a. DT Aubrayo Franklin (Tennessee); 5b. OT Tony Pashos (Illinois); 6. S Gerome Sapp (Notre Dame); 7a. TE Trent Smith (Oklahoma); 7b. C Mike Mabry (Central Florida); 7c. S Antwone Sanders (Utah). SUBTRACTIONS: QB Jeff Blake (Cardinals), FB Sam Gash (Bills), LB Shannon Taylor (Texans). Team news | Roster | More on Ravens draft

		Tue., June 10 Does Boller really have a good shot of overtaking Redman for the starting job? Boller does because Brian Billick loves his potential. The question is a matter of when not if, but when could be a tricky question. Chris Redman has a distinct lead and should begin the season as the starter unless he suffers an injury. Redman has looked good so far in the offseason program. He came off back surgery much stronger than expected. Boller, however, reminds Billick of Warren Moon with his strong arm and quick reads. It's not out of the question for Boller to be ready to take over for Redman by mid-October. What might happen is that Redman takes the team to mid-October, and then Boller starts until he struggles, giving Redman the chance to regain the starting job. Figure Boller initially to be a 54 to 55 percent thrower in an offense that requires 62-percent throwers, but he can be successful because of the Ravens' strong running game. It's Redman's job to lose for now, but of the four top quarterbacks taken in this draft, Boller is the one who might be the first to cash in on playing time.

After being decimated by salary cap problems following the 2001 season, the Ravens were expected to struggle near the bottom of the NFL in 2002. However, Baltimore was relatively competitive and remained in the playoff race until the final week of the season, eventually finishing 7-9.

Baltimore was forced to play much of the season without linebacker Ray Lewis, arguably the NFL's best defensive player. Lewis missed 11 games with a separated shoulder, with Baltimore going 2-3 with Lewis in the lineup and 5-6 without him.

However, without Lewis in the lineup for much of the season, Baltimore's defense slipped from No. 3 overall in 2001 to No. 22 overall in 2002, giving up 4.6 more points per game.

What they've added?
The Ravens were major players in the draft, landing two possible starters. While defensive end might not have been a primary need, Terrell Suggs was too good to pass up at No. 10. The NCAA's single-season record holder for sacks, Suggs slipped some because of slow 40-yard times in pre-draft workouts. However, it's hard to ignore his production in college and he should have immediate success in the NFL.

Baltimore then maneuvered its way back into the first round to select strong-armed QB Kyle Boller at No. 19. Where Suggs saw his stock slip in pre-draft workouts, Boller saw his soar. After an up-and-down career at Cal, Boller emerged in his final season under the tutelage of new head coach Jeff Tedford.

Wide receiver Frank Sanders was signed as a free agent and is expected to be in the starting lineup. Another addition that could pay off is wide receiver Marcus Robinson. Robinson, who caught 84 passes for 1,400 yards in 1999 with the Bears, battled injuries in 2000 and 2001 and wasn't effective last season. But he's a big target and if he can regain even a fraction of his 1999 form, he'll be a valuable addition.

Other starters added through free agency include safety Corey Fuller (Browns) and offensive tackle Orlando Brown, who has not played in three years after being struck in the right eye by an officials flag while playing for the Browns.

What they're missing?
Don't expect the Ravens to go out and make any significant additions to their roster.

Fantasy Focus

Tight end Todd Heap had a breakout year in only his second season. He led all fantasy tight ends in points by catching a team-high 68 passes for 836 yards and six TDs. While Tony Gonzalez and Jeremy Shockey may receive top billing on draft day, Heap will post comparable stats to both. The signings of Frank Sanders and Marcus Robinson give the Ravens experienced wideouts to complement Travis Taylor. This will help prevent Heap from constant double teams. The fantasy impact of tight ends drops after the elite trio of Shockey, Gonzalez and Heap. Grab Heap by the sixth round and watch him provide a scoring advantage at the tight end position. -- Roger Rotter, ESPN.com Fantasy editor

That said, the biggest question mark for the rest of the offseason is at quarterback. While Boller has a great arm and considerable talent, Redman has to be considered the favorite at this time to open the season as the starter. Redman had back surgery in January and by all accounts has been impressive this offseason. Boller will be given the opportunity to compete for the job, however, the Ravens won't toss him out there until he's ready to play. Anthony Wright has also reportedly opened some eyes with his play over the offseason and might even be ahead of Boller on the depth chart at this time.

What it all means?
The Ravens should have a playoff-caliber defense. Lewis is healthy and should again be among the NFL's best. Add Suggs to a defense that already includes the likes of Lewis, Ed Hartwell, Peter Boulware, Chris McAlister and Ed Reed and the Ravens should keep games close.

The question will be the progress made on offense. Jamal Lewis (1,327 yards last season) gives the Ravens a solid ground attack, but their success on offense will be determined by the passing game. Redman and Wright have yet to show that they're legitimate starting quarterbacks in the NFL and asking a rookie like Boller to lead a team to the playoffs is a risky proposition.

Baltimore will be in a lot of games and if they can win more of the close ones than they lose, a spot in the playoffs is a possibility.

Peter Lawrence-Riddell is an NFL editor for ESPN.com.