Since the end of January, the Ravens have made it apparent that they intend on making the upgrades needed to stay a contender for several years. While we have not gotten to the draft quite yet, Baltimore has done everything right so far when dealing with free agency, trades, and tendering. Still, there are a few questions that many of us probably have on our minds.

1. What is the plan for Anquan Boldin’s role in the offense?

On the surface, the answer to this question seems quite obvious. Boldin proved himself time and time again in Arizona. The Cardinals could score at will with the combination of Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, giving opposing defenses the hardest of times. That offense was a machine, setting records and making defenses look stupid, while also reaching a Super Bowl.

But the deal is that the Ravens are a run first, pass second offense. Despite the addition of Boldin into the scheme, the Ray Rice and Willis McGahee tandem proved themselves last season to be successful, and to think that John Harbaugh would pull away from that recipe for winning would be a bit strange. The Ravens have always been a running team, and are set up to do so again next season.

However, don’t get your panties all up in a bunch. Boldin was brought to Baltimore for the very reason that he is a dominant force when it comes to passing the ball. He will not only provide a threat to the outside, giving Flacco opportunities to find a big target down field, but he will also help to open up the running game. Opponents won’t automatically feel comfortable stacking the box with eight or nine guys on every play, allowing the Ravens’ running game to hopefully find more holes.

Anquan knows his role will be different than it was in Arizona. Anybody under the impression that the Ravens’ pass offense would automatically become equivalent to the Cardinals will be quite disappointed. But, that is not to say that Flacco’s newest weapon won’t make things a bit more exciting.

2. Will Derrick Mason return?

While nothing has been mentioned yet, I can’t help but think that Mason will come back to Baltimore for another season. For one, the Ravens have no reason not to give him a new contract. They just went out and got a true number one receiver, and Derrick would be the perfect complement to Boldin. He proved last year that he is still fully capable of making a positive impact on Joe Flacco and the rest of the offense by catching for over 1,000 yards.

The real question is, however, is if there is really any interest by any other team in Mason? From the speed of the Ravens’ to make him an offer, it’s hard to believe that many other teams have shown much of anything. That’s not to say that Mason doesn’t have what it takes. We saw the same situation last off-season when Ray Lewis was a free agent, but generated next to nothing in interest. It’s an advantage to Baltimore that Ozzie Newsome is sure to make the most of.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mason re-signed soon. It would be in the Ravens’ best interest to bring back a player that wants to return, who knows the system, and would complement Boldin very nicely.

3. Will Troy Smith be a Raven next season?

The fan favorite is a backup quarterback who feels like he deserves to be a starter for an NFL team. Regardless of whether he is correct or not, Smith does deserve a chance to prove how good he actually is. He held the starting spot going into the pre-season of the 2008 season, but became ill and lost his hold to Flacco. Talk about some bad luck.

Smith has mentioned being interested in playing in Cleveland. Up until the Browns traded for Seneca Wallace, it seemed as if Smith could have had a real possibility of getting shipped off to his preferred destination. Now, it’s not so clear whether Troy will be traded at all. The Browns seem to still be interested in acquiring another quarterback, as proved by their recent news that Brady Quinn is on the trading block. But, as for Troy Smith, aside from his own comments, all you hear are crickets when it comes to trade rumors involving his name. Whether it’s the 3rd round pick the Ravens are asking for is too high, or that nobody really wants to give Smith a chance, each day that passes before the draft makes it seems as if Smith may be walking the sidelines for Baltimore again next season.

4. What is the Ravens’ plan for the draft now that they have Boldin?

With Anquan in town for the next four years, it seems as if the Ravens may be a little less persistent come draft time for a wide receiver. However, Newsome has never looked at the draft that way. He has always taken an approach a bit simpler, not focusing on specific positions as much as just taking the best overall player available. It’s hard to imagine he would take a different route this April.

With that said, there are still a few needs to be addressed. The Ravens desperately need a pass rusher, and could look at the cornerback position as well as safety. While a wide receiver is still on the list of needs, especially with an aging Derrick Mason, the Ravens don’t feel the immediate pressure to get Flacco help via the draft.

5. What does the future hold for Billy Cundiff?

For all of those who are still calling for the return of Matt Stover, forget about it. Stover showed during the Colts’ playoff run that his leg strength is nothing compared to what it used to be. With him out of the question, the door is wide open for Cundiff to prove he deserves to be the long term option for Baltimore.

Going into camp this summer, Cundiff is sure to face competition. However, he has the advantage of being around last year on his side. Whether the Ravens bring in another kicker through free agency, or they choose to use a late draft pick to acquire one, Cundiff is sure to be the front runner for the job next season.

Follow me on twitter at Baltimore_GUFS, and check out the Gear Up For Sports Baltimore Ravens page on Facebook. Are there questions or comments that you have? Email me at RavensGUFS@yahoo.com.