Baltimore Ravens: 5 Key Players For 2016 Rebound

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Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jimmy Smith

Jimmy Smith needs to be the leader of the defensive secondary. He needs to be the consistent superstar we know he can be. The Ravens secondary has been a problematic area of the roster for the past couple of seasons. In 2014 everything went downhill when Jimmy Smith was lost to an injury. That season showed his importance. In 2015 the Ravens secondary struggled, and Smith was inconsistent. To be fair however, one could argue that Smith was the only solid player the Ravens had in the back-end of their defense.

Smith is the known commodity in the Ravens defensive backfield. He at times has looked like a superstar, on par with the Darrelle Revis and Richard Sherman type players. At times he has struggled but he has never been bad. With a full season removed from his injury, Smith could be back to his elite play. The Ravens have to hope for that at least.

Smith’s play will be critical this coming season. If he can be a consistent shut down corner he will take a ton of pressure off the secondary. If he can shut down the best player that the Ravens opponents’ have to offer than the Ravens can take a step forward defensively.

Next: 3. Eugune Monroe

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