Ebony Bird
FanSided

The most underrated Baltimore Ravens of all time by position

By Chris Schisler

Anthony Wright #2 throws under pressure During First half action between the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans on September 18, 2005. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)
Anthony Wright #2 throws under pressure During First half action between the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans on September 18, 2005. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Cornerback Jimmy Smith #22 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammates after an interception in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Cornerback Jimmy Smith #22 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammates after an interception in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Cornerback: Jimmy Smith 

Look, Jimmy Smith has never received enough praise from Ravens fans. He is one of the most polarizing players the Ravens have had. Those who get it, understand that he has been a rock star of a cornerback for a long time. The Ravens drafted Smith in 2011 and he’s still with the Ravens. What does that tell you? He’s always been very valuable to this defense. 329 tackles, 14 interceptions and three defensive touchdowns are the key numbers he has to put up.

Where does Smith rank among the best cornerbacks in Ravens history? He’s on pretty even footing with Chris McAlister as the best cornerback the franchise ever had. Duane Starks would be in that conversation if he spent his whole career in Baltimore. Marlon Humphrey may eclipse Smith’s elite status, but he’s still on his first contract. Smith has been putting in good work on a yearly basis.

The games that Smith has missed has led to a lot of frustration. That frustration warps the perception of Smith for some fans. If Smith wasn’t good, his absence wouldn’t have been so painfully noticeable in those games. Smith gets more vitriol for getting hurt than any player you’ll ever see. If Smith had good luck, his career would be thought of the same way that McAlister’s career is remembered.

Safety: Kim Herring 

Do me a favor. Name the 11 starters of the 2000 Ravens defense. Did you forget a name? Who was the strong safety? It was Kim Herring. Herring was a good strong safety. He had 52 tackles in his rookie season and was good for 50-60 tackles just about every season. In the 2000 season he had three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack. He even intercepted a Kerry Collins pass in Super Bowl XXXV. He did more than you probably give him credit for as you look back at that time of Ravens football. Herring is very comparable to what Chuck Clark is now. That’s a good perspective to think about Herring’s contributions to the team.

Next. Top 15 free agent signings in Ravens history. dark

If you’re looking for special teams players, the Ravens have no underrated stars here. Justin Tucker and Matt Stover are recognized as two of the best kickers in NFL history. Sam Koch, Dave Zastudil and Kyle Richardson are notably good punters. Jermaine Lewis and Jacoby Jones are very beloved return specialists. I couldn’t really call any of them underrated which is a compliment to the special teams we’ve seen in Baltimore.

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