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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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OLB. Baltimore Ravens. ZA'DARIUS SMITH. B-. <strong>20 Tackles / 10 Assists / 5.5 Sacks / 1 Pass Defended</strong>

When the Ravens drafted Smith, it was with the hope that he would be able to replace some of the production lost by the departure of

Pernell McPhee

. No one envisioned that Smith would be more productive than his Kentucky teammate,

Bud Dupree

.

Smith finished his rookie season with numbers that were almost identical to those of McPhee’s rookie year. He was thrusted into the action early in his rookie year once Suggs went down and was forced to learn on the fly. He was clearly not ready in the early part of the season, but he got better as the season progressed. After recording just two sacks through the first 13 games, Smith had three and a half sacks in the final three games and consistently put pressure on the quarterback.

Overall, it was a good first season for Smith. The experience will be key as he figures to be the third pass rusher behind Suggs and Dumervil in 2016. The Ravens need a better pass rush and will be hopeful that Smith will be elevate his game to the next level with an entire offseason to prepare for his role.

Next: The Pending Free Agent

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