Feb. 15, 2000 SportsLine wire reports

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens aren't worried about the middle linebacker spot -- yet. For now, they're more concerned about filling other positions on the team, primarily tight end.

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Free agent Shannon Sharpe visited the Ravens training complex Tuesday and spoke at length with director of pro personnel Ozzie Newsome and coach Brian Billick. Sharpe on Monday had dinner with Ravens officials after flying up from Atlanta on owner Art Modell's private plane.

Modell was in Atlanta to testify at the bond hearing of linebacker Ray Lewis, who faces murder charges in connection with two deaths last month. The Ravens have yet to react to the possibility that they might need a new middle linebacker in 2000.

"The judicial process will take care of that," Newsome said Tuesday.

The Ravens entered the offseason intent upon adding a quality tight end to an offense that in 1999 relied too heavily on outside receivers Qadry Ismail, Justin Armour and Patrick Johnson.

Greg DeLong led Baltimore tight ends with 13 catches for a mere 52 yards. Aaron Pierce had 11 receptions for 102 yards before being placed on injured reserve Nov. 30.

The Ravens met with Miami tight end Troy Drayton on Monday and expect to play host to Andrew Glover on Wednesday. Glover, a nine-year veteran, was released by the Minnesota Vikings last week in a cost-cutting move.

The Ravens also hope to interview free agent tight ends Ben Coates and Jackie Harris.

"We're still accumulating all the information we can get," Newsome said. "No decision has been made."

Sharpe had his 1999 season cut short by a broken collarbone. He is Denver's career leader in receptions (552) and receiving yards (6,983). He also is one of four tight ends in NFL history with 6,000 yards receiving.

He would fit well in the Ravens' offense, which lacked a short to intermediate passing game last season. Sharpe has said he would prefer to stay in Denver, and his agent suggested that Sharpe would take less money to return to the Broncos.

Marvin Demoff said he believes Denver will offer Sharpe about 90 percent of what other teams would offer. Sharpe is looking for a three-year deal worth about $3 million per season, but might be willing to take closer to $2.7 million, based on Demoff's figures.

In comments televised on Denver stations Tuesday night, Sharpe said his trip to Baltimore "went real well. I'm very impressed, and I like coach Billick. So now it's just a process of going back home and just waiting and seeing."

Asked how many teams were on his short list, Sharpe replied: "Just two." Asked if he meant the Ravens and the Broncos, he said yes and moved away quickly.

The Ravens last weekend reached agreement with defensive end Rob Burnett on a four-year, $14 million. Burnett had 81 tackles and 6½ sacks with Baltimore last season.