[Baltimore Ravens News]

BALTIMORE - Drew Olson is willing to go the extra mile to play in the NFL. Make that the extra 3,817 miles, the distance from Baltimore to Amsterdam.

Signed as a free agent in May 2006 by the Baltimore Ravens, Olson spent the entire season on the practice squad before being asked by the team to hone his game in NFL Europa. The former UCLA standout readily complied, so this spring he's slinging passes for the Amsterdam Admirals.

Olson's parents visited for a couple of weeks, but for the most part the 23-year-old has been holed up in a hotel room, studying the playbook.

"Hopefully I'll look back on this and say it was a stepping stone," Olson said from the Netherlands in a phone conversation with The Associated Press. "There are many ways to get into the NFL, and hopefully this is just one of them."

STUDYING ABROAD Ravens quarterback Olson conquers NFL Europa - Sports

[Gotham Dark Knight]

I like the kid from UCLA...The Raven QB battle should be interesting...didn't they pick up Smith from Ohio State?...of these two, who do you feel will come out ahead?...Anyone with a view on the matter?

[OS FAN 21 1 10]

I think we should give olson a chance. he was a standout in college. and with mcnair as a tutor he will be good soon.