5 Ravens Ready to Breakout in 2016
By Hassan Zakai
#3 : Za’Darius Smith, OLB
Za’darius Smith was thrust into a starting role at the beginning of the season, due to Terrell Suggs suffering a torn Achilles in week one. His initial role was to emulate former Ravens’ linebacker Pernell McPhee, as he would come in on passing downs and wreak havoc on the interior of the offensive line. However, he ended up starting on the edge in place of Suggs, and actually did quite well considering the circumstances.
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Smith ended 2015 (his rookie season) with 30 tackles and 5.5 sacks, almost identical to McPhee’s rookie year (23 tackles and 6.0 sacks), though he wasn’t as effective at applying pressure. Smith really started to come on in the second half of last season, with 3.5 of his sacks coming in weeks 15-17.
With Suggs returning and a plethora of young pass rushing talent behind him, Za’Darius Smith has a chance to get a lot of sacks this season. He could end up surprising a lot of people and potentially lead the team in sacks.
Next: Jimmy Smith