Ebony Bird
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5 Ravens Ready to Breakout in 2016

By Hassan Zakai

Oct 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (L) and linebacker Za'Darius Smith (90) celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 23-20 in overtime. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (L) and linebacker Za'Darius Smith (90) celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 23-20 in overtime. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) intercepts Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) (not pictured) pass intended for wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) intercepts Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) (not pictured) pass intended for wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

#4 : Jimmy Smith, CB

While he has had good years in the past, Jimmy Smith has not played up to his talent yet, at least not for a full season. He looked to be a Pro-Bowl level corner in 2014, before going down for the year with a Lisfranc Injury. He wasn’t very good in 2015, mainly due to his foot still healing.

Smith recently underwent a procedure to remove screws that were left in his foot, and it should lead to full healing for him. He’s got great size and speed out on the edge, along with great technique. He has the ability to be a Richard Sherman type of cover corner, only Smith is faster.

He was expected to come into the league and be a punk, but he’s been the exact opposite, a model teammate and person. With a vastly improved secondary behind him, including perennial Pro-Bowl safety Eric Weddle, Smith is in a prime position to have a great year.

Next: Timmy Jernigan

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