Baltimore Sports Then and Now

Michael Oher became the sixth first round pick from the Class of 2009 to sign a contract.

After closing the deal with first round pick Michael Oher, the Baltimore Ravens will have all of their 2009 draft picks on the field when training camp starts on Friday at McDaniel College. They are the first team to have all draft picks signed.

Oher, the 23rd pick in the draft out of the University of Mississippi, agreed to a five-year deal late Wednesday. The contract is reportedly valued for up to $13.8 million with $7.8 guaranteed.

Now that he is signed, Oher should immediately move into the lineup at right tackle for the Ravens. He joins a line that includes several emerging young stars along with six-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk, who was signed in the off-season.

The unit is crucial to the success of the Ravens in 2009 as they must protect second year quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco started every game last season without suffering any significant injuries and the Ravens are counting on that trend to continue.

Unlike the left tackle position, where Jonathan Ogden was a mainstay for more than a decade, the Ravens have struggled to find a consistent starter at right tackle. Since 1999, 13 different players have started at the position. Oher would replace Willie Anderson, who retired after last season.

His primary competition for the starting spot is veterans Adam Terry and Oniel Cousins. Both were injured during preseason drills, which allowed Oher to gain valuable reps. Now that he will be in camp from day one, his chances of winning the starting position are high.