During the offseason the Ravens acquired three defensive linemen, Terrance Cody, Cory Redding and Arthur Jones two of whom were found in the draft. How will these acquisitions affect veteran Kelly Gregg's compacity to contribute this season?
These moves will have a considerable impact on the defensive line rotation including the amount of playing time Gregg will have. Redding and Jones fit more of the defensive end mold but let creativity prevail you may see them line up in a variety of spots Second rounder Cody will contribute at nose tackle this season if he remains in-shape and makes strides of improvement during training camp. Cody was renown in college as a run-stopper and will be able to clog some running lanes purely because of his shear size. If Cody can combine his physique with the proper technique, we may see just as much of Cody as we do Gregg by the end of the season.
Gregg has had an unheralded but solid career as a force on the Ravens' defensive line. He faced an injury setback two seasons ago when he was sidelined with a knee injury. Last year was his first year back from the injury and showed flashes of what we saw before he got hurt. The biggest issue for him is age. Most do not expect his knee injury to burden him in the 2010 season but some will be quick to blame his seasoned age if his performance disappoints. Gregg is currently 33 ,will be turning 34 during the season and is entering his 12th year in the league.
It's obvious that Cody was not drafted to warm the benches, he will get an early start and see a steady increase in his playing time if he performs well. Gregg is on the other side of this seesaw. The more Cody's role expands, the more Gregg's role will diminish. This change will not be immediate and Gregg will still have a large impact in the upcoming season but expect to see less and less of Gregg beyond the 2010 season.
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