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Preston: Trio of rookie linebackers together in big-hit harmony -- baltimoresun.com

excerpt:

Training camp had barely begun when running back Willis McGahee took a handoff and was gliding to the hole. From nowhere, rookie linebacker Prescott Burgess stretched out McGahee with a vicious hit - one that took away the collective breath of the crowd.

"I don't think McGahee anticipated it," said outside linebacker Terrell Suggs. "He got to the edge, it looked clear and Prescott came from nowhere and tagged him. The hit let him know this ain't Buffalo, and we play down here in practice."

The hit was also a statement.

In the Ravens' brief history, never has a rookie class been so unafraid to tangle with the veterans - especially the linebackers. Making an impression so far in training camp are fourth-round pick Antwan Barnes from Florida International, Burgess, a sixth-round selection from Michigan, and Edgar Jones, a free agent from Southeast Missouri State.

Barnes was expected to contribute right away, possibly as a third-down pass rusher opposite Suggs. But in Burgess and Jones, the Ravens might have found another Adalius Thomas or Bart Scott, who were long shots to make the team but became Pro Bowl players.

"In the fourth- and sixth-round picks, I think we got a couple of guys who can help us this year," said Jeff FitzGerald, the team's linebackers coach. "We're going to need to get them some reps quickly in the preseason, because they could become viable help once the regular season starts."

Help? Barnes prefers to look at it another way.

"We got a lot of good rookies here," Barnes said. "I think we will be the determining factor in this team going to the Super Bowl. Last year, they went 13-3, so we might be that little bit they need to get to the next level."

This group of linebackers has the same confidence as veteran starters Suggs, Scott and Ray Lewis.

A couple of days ago, backup quarterback Kyle Boller rolled right to throw a pass. Even though quarterbacks aren't supposed to be hit, Burgess came charging hard on the play and dived at Boller as he was throwing.

They don't care.

Burgess, Jones and Barnes came to Baltimore to make a name for themselves - and they have.

"I like them," Suggs said. "They fit in. Prescott comes from a traditional school. Barnes is really an explosive pass rusher, and could be the piece we're missing off the edge when we have four rushers."

And Jones?

"He can run, and he's got some punch," FitzGerald said.

Barnes, though, is more at his natural position right now than the other two. The Ravens want an outside rusher and Barnes has amazing quickness. His first step is lightning fast, and it would be interesting to see him rushing the quarterback with Trevor Pryce and Suggs.

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