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Baltimore Ravens: 2015 Linebacker Grades

By Joe Serpico

Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) reacts after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) reacts after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The bengals won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The bengals won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

B. <strong>71 Tackles / 50 Assists / 3 Sacks / 1 Interception</strong>. ILB. Baltimore Ravens. DARYL SMITH

Smith has had a career that has largely gone unnoticed which is a shame because he has been one of the best at the position since coming into the league in 2004. He has started in 172 of the possible 192 games played while he’s been in the NFL, but has never garnered the postseason accolades that many of the NFL’s best have received.

He has been a mainstay on the Ravens defense that needed a new defensive leader once Ray Lewis retired, not missing a start since joining the team in 2013. Smith has had the the best stretch of his career as a Raven, totaling over 120 tackles in each of his three seasons in Baltimore. His numbers were very similar to those of Mosley this season, but once again did not get an invite to the Pro Bowl. How this guy continues to produce at a high level and no one takes notice is baffling.

The future for Smith in Baltimore is murky. He has pondered retirement the past two off seasons and it’s possible that he decides that this past season was his last. The Ravens would also save over $2.6 million if they decide to cut him. If this season was the last we see of Smith, we certainly noticed how productive he was for the Ravens and thank him for his services.

Next: The Undrafted Gem

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