Justin Robertson

All Beau Brade wants to do is win a Super Bowl for his hometown team. With the current state of the Ravens' roster, he could play a key role in that mission.

There aren't many positions up for grabs heading into training camp, but the third safety spot is one of them. Second-year safeties Brade and Sanoussi Kane are vying for that job after Ar'Darius Washington went down with a torn Achilles earlier this offseason.

Washington is eyeing a November-December return. In the meantime, the baton goes to Brade and Kane.

Brade, who primarily played on special teams as an undrafted rookie last year, is confident he can make an impact in that reserve role.

"I got big shoes to fill in the safety room here, and the Ravens have always had good safeties, but I'm looking forward to it," Brade said. "One thing that I always do is that I step up to the plate. I did that throughout high school, college, and here now."

Brade made the 53-man roster last August after flashing in the preseason. He played in 11 games last season, posting two tackles on defense and one on special teams.

A Maryland native, Brade grew up a Ravens fan and attended the University of Maryland. He's no stranger to the Ravens' defensive culture. But now equipped with a full year of NFL experience, he's eager to earn more playing time.

"I'm on the team, but I'm not necessarily where I want to be when it comes to the depth chart or my ability," Brade said. "I'm still trying to be the best player I can be to someday be All-Pro, and really, the main goal is a Super Bowl. As a Ravens fan, I witnessed one Super Bowl here in 2012, and to bring another one to the city, to my coaches, and to the players, and see their reaction on their faces, that's a dream come true in itself. That's the goal, and I'm not going to rest until I get that."

Kane was also a special teams contributor last season and has kept Washington close to his ear. He wants to answer the bell when called upon.

"A.D. is just telling me that I gotta lock in. Next man up," Kane said. "I'm doing it for him because he's an older guy that I looked up to, that helped me a lot when I was transitioning into my first year in the NFL. It's unfortunate what happened to him, but obviously it's an opportunity for me to show what I can do."

Kane was third on the team in special teams tackles last season with seven. Like Brade, he said he's much more comfortable now than when he was a rookie this time last year. Harbaugh also saw that growth in Kane during OTAs and minicamp.

"I think he's taken a big step this year," Harbaugh said. "It's starting to look like he could be that guy, maybe play that role as a third safety, perhaps. [He's] got a long way to go still, but he's looking like he's got a shot."

Clifton Brown

The Ravens added first-round safety Malaki Starks from Georgia in the draft, and all signs are that he'll get the first crack at starting opposite All-Pro Kyle Hamilton. But if last year is any indication, the third safety spot is of vital importance to the Ravens. Even before taking over as the starter last year, Washington played 40% of the defensive snaps.

While Harbaugh is hoping Washington will return at some point near the end of the season, he also expects Brade and Kane to fill the void.

"I envision those guys stepping up," Harbaugh said. "They have to. They're going to have to prove it. They're going to have to earn it, and there's always a possibility of bringing someone in. That's what we do. So, we'll see where that goes. But I think those guys are doing a great job."