He’s been performing like a best-in-class player at his position since joining the Baltimore Ravens in trade midway through the 2022 season, but one critic has some harsh words for All-Pro inside linebacker Roquan Smith.
The latter missed out on top spot to San Francisco 49ers stud Fred Warner for the second year running in a ranking of the 10 best “off-ball linebackers” in the league compiled by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. He talked with an unnamed “AFC executive” and “one NFL defensive assistant” who gave contrasting takes about Smith.
He’s still good enough to rate as the second-best at his position, even though “Roquan isn’t necessarily the most physically talented, but he’s very productive in both phases, is the catalyst for their defense in the middle of the field and a guy you have to account for in phases.”
That’s what the executive from their own conference had to say about the Ravens’ on-field defensive general, but the defensive assistant consulted by Fowler thinks Smith “needs to get in better shape. Looks a little sluggish at times.”
It’s a blunt take about a veteran who’s in good enough physical condition to still be one of the most productive front-seven playmakers in football.
Roquan Smith Still Active Enough
Smith has proved a bargain since being acquired from the Chicago Bears, and any reservations about his condition appear unfounded. At least based on how active and productive he still is entering his eighth season.
He’s “coming off his second consecutive first-team All-Pro season, and his run-stop percentage of 5.6 (tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage on designed runs) was second among all linebackers and the best among the top 10,” per Fowler.
While he’s still making stops at every level of the field, Smith also remains a force in coverage. Evidenced by this interception of Patrick Mahomes against the Kansas City Chiefs last season.
The agility and range were present on this play, and it’s tough to look at any of Smith’s performances last season and conclude he was out of shape. Especially when he got better as the 2024 campaign progressed.
As Pro Football Focus pointed out, “it was really a split between the first 10 weeks and then Week 11 onward. And I think when they simplified their defense in their coverage schemes down the stretch, I think Roquan really benefited from that too, an 81.8 coverage grade from Week 11 on. That was one of the best marks in football.”
PFF’s reference to Smith having to get “used to life without Patrick Queen and maybe having to make up for it a little bit more in the run game” is significant.
It makes it easier to reach the more realistic conclusion Smith isn’t sluggish, but the 28-year-old needs more help at the heart of Baltimore’s linebacker corps.
Ravens All-Pro Needs Help
The Ravens’ intention to replace Queen with Trenton Simpson hasn’t quite gone to plan. Mostly because Simpson hasn’t made the grade, leaving Smith in need of a more resourceful partner in the middle of the front seven.
Fortunately, the Ravens have more than a few contenders for the role. They include an ultra-productive rookie free agent who can continue a 20-year streak for the franchise.
There’s also another undrafted thumper who has a throwback playing style, but perhaps the best candidate is a sideline-to-sideline sleeper selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
If any member of this trio steps up to do the things Simpson can’t, namely the more physical aspects of stuffing the run, Smith will be free to spend more time in coverage, where he often does his best work.
Perhaps work good enough to see him finally surpass Warner a year from now.
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