Baltimore Ravens: Five Players Set to Disappoint in 2015

6 of 6

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller (83) carries the ball as Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) tackles in the second quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Daryl Smith

2014 Production: 128 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception, 9 passes defensed

Talk about an underrated free agent signing. Daryl Smith has been a revelation for the Baltimore Ravens after being cast aside by a lowly Jaguars team that he spent nine years with. All he’s done is rack up crazy stats over the last two seasons in Baltimore, ranking as the 7th best 3-4 inside linebacker in the entire NFL last season by Pro Football Focus.

But like a lot of aging players on our list, how much gas does Smith have in the tank at 33 years old? Perhaps more than your average inside ‘backer, as he is surrounded by talent and blessed with excellent natural instincts and ball skills. Smith can use his smarts and experience to make plays while other guys rely on their athleticism.

And it’s not like the Ravens did anything this offseason to upgrade at the position. Smith is the unquestioned starter once again next to C.J. Mosley. But can he come close to improving on his stellar 2014 season? It’s a tough call at this point.

Next: Zach Orr set to break out?

More from Ebony Bird

Home/Ravens News