Ravens add depth to defensive line by signing former Broncos NT Ryan McBean

(Updated Tuesday, 9:57 a.m.)
Adding depth to the defensive line has been a priority following the 2012 NFL Draft as the Ravens have announced the signing of former Broncos nose tackle Ryan McBean on Monday.
Less than a week after bringing back veteran defensive tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu, the Ravens have added McBean, who spent the last three seasons with Denver. McBean registered 33 tackles and four sacks in what amount to his best season in 2011. In his three seasons with the Broncos, he accumulated 77 tackles, four sacks, and one fumble recovery in 46 games.
While McBean’s addition sounds like a no-brainer, the Ravens will have to wait for his services after being disciplined by the NFL earlier this off-season. The 28-year-old faced a six-game suspension due to a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancement policy, but the NFL has reportedly reduced the suspension to three games in exchange for McBean dropping his lawsuit. He would not count against the 53-man regular-season roster during his suspension.
After coming away with only one defensive lineman in last month’s draft — seventh-round pick DeAngelo Tyson from Georgia — the Ravens have now bolstered their depth upfront with the additions of McBean and Kemoeatu. Baltimore lost defensive linemen Cory Redding and Brandon McKinney in free agency earlier this offseason.
McBean was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2007 draft but played only one game in his rookie season. He was reportedly offered the $1.27 million low tender by Denver before it was rescinded following the announcement of his suspension.