Ravens’ Defensive Star Earns Major Praise From NFL Execs

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith enjoyed a fantastic season in 2023, and he is being recognized for it.

In a poll of NFL coaches, executives and scouts conducted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Smith was ranked second among off-ball linebackers, with only Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers finishing ahead of him.

Smith racked up 158 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and eight passes defended last year, making his second straight Pro Bowl appearance while also earning his second consecutive First-Team All-Pro selection in the process.

The Ravens initially acquired Smith in a midseason trade with the Chicago Bears in October 2022, sending a second-round draft pick to the Bears in exchange for the defensive star.

Smith, who played his collegiate football at the University of Georgia, was originally selected by Chicago with the eighth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

He spent the first four-and-a-half years of his career with the Bears, posting incredible numbers but failing to receive significant recognition for it.

In 2021, for example, Smith rattled off 163 tackles, three sacks, a pick and a defensive touchdown, but was not elected the Pro Bowl. He did notch Second-Team All-Pro honors for the second straight year, but he certainly deserved more accolades than that.

It’s good to see the 27-year-old finally getting the respect he deserves.

Can the Ravens finally break through in 2024?

The Ravens have been one of the best teams in the NFL ever since Lamar Jackson took over under center halfway through the 2018 campaign, but they have been unable to get over the hump.

Baltimore has finished with the No. 1 record in the league twice over the last five seasons and have made the playoffs in five of the last six years, but have failed to make it to the Super Bowl.

The Ravens did advance to the AFC Championship Game this past season, only to fall to the Kansas City Chiefs after posting an anemic offensive effort.

Can Baltimore finally make a Super Bowl run in 2024?

The Ravens certainly have the talent to do so, boasting the reigning MVP in Jackson and a tough defense that should remain formidable even after losing key pieces like Patrick Queen and Jadeveon Clowney in free agency.

We’ll see if Baltimore can break through this coming season.

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