Starting Linebackers for the Ravens

Every defense needs a good set of linebackers but the 3-4 defensive system cannot thrive without them. In a good 3-4 defense there are usually four linebackers, two inside and two outside, that have the ability to shoot gaps, rush the passer and play effectively in space (cover tight ends, running backs and wide receivers). Here in Baltimore, the Ravens seem to have very solid depth at the defensive line position. Is the linebacker position as deep as their larger defensive counterparts?
 ROLB- Current starter Terrell Suggs is coming off of the worst season in his career. He posted a career low 4.5 sacks and tarnished his glorified reputation as a durable player when he missed three games last season. Backup Antwan Barnes is an exceptional situational pass rusher. He recorded his career high in sacks with 3.0 and grabbed the first interception of his career. Barnes is not a three down player and is not known for his ability to defend the run. Even though he is entering his fourth year in the Nfl, Barnes is still improving. Van De Steeg has mostly been present during training camp and preseason so if he is seen during the season at all it will be on the practice squad.
 Right Inside LB- Future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis does not need to be introduced or described for anyone. Most know his track record and know that as long as he is healthy at the start of the season he will be starting for this defense. He is getting older though and has lost a step but he has maintained his dominant tackling style. Backup Brendon Ayanbadejo has been a special teams standout his whole professional career and has not started many games. He was establishing his place next to Lewis last season before he got hurt. This season I predict Ellerbe to overcome him on the depth chart so he will probably be locking down his special teams position and waiting in the wings just in case Lewis gets hurt.
 Left Inside LB- Dannell Ellerbe is just beginning his journey in the NFL. Last season he was the only rookie free agent to get signed to the 53 man roster. Once Ayanbadejo and Gooden got hurt he had to step in and start on this renowned Baltimore defense. Surprisingly he did not disappoint and continued to improve as the season progressed thus not relinquishing. This offseason he is considered by many to be the favorite to start next to Ray Lewis in the 2010 season. Tavares Gooden started in this position in last year's season opener but lost it after he suffered an injury in week 4 and eventually lost his starting job in week 15 to Dannell Ellerbe. If Gooden can prove he is a tough, durable playmaker, he will be able to reclaim the starting inside linebacker position that was his at the beginning of last season.
 LOLB- Underrated starter Jarret Johnson was second on the team in sacks last season with 6.0, a personal best for him. He has been making strides of improvement ever since 2007 when he replaced Adalius Thomas as the starter in this position. Rookie Sergio Kindle was drafted in the second round of this past draft. He is known for his dynamic pass rushing ability and has the potential to become a dominant force. Coach Harbaugh said his "Achilles heel" is his limited pass coverage acumen. This offseason he has reportedly been working hard on covering players in the flat, a duty outside linebackers are often given. One day Kindle could be the one to surpass Johnson and start opposite Terrell Suggs in a defense that urgently needs to crank up their pass rush.

Talent-wise the Ravens linebacker core is young and improving. If Ellerbe pans out to be as good as Bart Scott, former Raven whom Ellerbe's beginnings parallel, he should fit as the perfect filler for the gaping hole the Ravens were left with last offseason when Scott left for the New York Jets.
*I did not mention last year's second round draft pick Paul Kruger because he is moving from the outside linebacker to defensive end. If he were to stay at the position for which he was draft, he would be the primary starter behind Terrell Suggs.