Ebony Bird
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Can Kamalei Correa Become Better Than Daryl Smith?

By Chris Schisler

Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive lineman Kamalei Correa (8) celebrates in the closing seconds of the game against the Arizona Wildcats in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Wildcats 38-30. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive lineman Kamalei Correa (8) celebrates in the closing seconds of the game against the Arizona Wildcats in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Wildcats 38-30. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ravens have replaced Daryl Smith and his veteran leadership with the youthful tenacity of Kamalei Correa.

Kamalei Correa was an outside linebacker at Boise State, but he is pegged as a starting inside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. Correa has made a lot of noise during training camp. This is partly because he has impressed at the linebacker position and partly because he has been so fiery. Correa is showing signs of being a classic Ravens player. He is physical and he is relentless. The question that remains to be answered is whether or not he is an upgrade from Daryl Smith?

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Smith was a sure tackling linebacker who provided veteran leadership. Smith was an every down linebacker who was good against the run and the aerial assault. With Smith you never had to worry about a thing. Smith was a solid player who made sure things were done right on the defense. Smith provided a lot for the defense.

Correa has a similar skill set. He is an every down linebacker who is as physical as it gets. Correa’s speed on the outside is good. On the inside, that speed is elite. Correa can do a bit of everything for the Ravens defense. The Ravens will miss the guidance of Smith, but they will enjoy the spark that Correa provides.

Smith has been playing in the NFL since 2004. He has over 1,000 career tackles. 30.5 sacks and 11 interceptions. The Ravens let go of a player who has seen everything the NFL has to offer. He knows the tricks of the trade. When you lose experience like that it is hard to replace it. That being said the Ravens seemed to find the perfect person to fill the void. Correa could be a special player for the Ravens.

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Correa has a really high ceiling. Eventually he may become as nuanced and maybe even better than Smith. The Ravens are getting a different player, in Correa. They are getting a different impact too. It will be exciting to see Correa and C.J. Mosley blossom into what could be the best linebacker combination in football.

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