When the Baltimore Ravens lost defensive swiss army knife, Pernell McPhee to the Chicago Bears in free agency this year, it is unlikely that many people in the organization, or even fans, were up in arms.
Four years ago, the Ravens selected McPhee in the fifth round when he was a relatively unknown defensive end from Mississippi State. Most fifth round picks do not amount to much in the league or ever become starters. By 2014, McPhee was one of Baltimore’s top defensive players. He exceeded expectations and collected his big paycheck elsewhere. The Ravens will get a high compensatory pick in the 2016 draft in return.
You’ve heard the story before.
But while the McPhee departure was expected, finding the next McPhee, or at least a day three draft pick who can outplay his draft status like McPhee did, is the goal. The Ravens began the process of reviving the lacking depth at outside linebacker during the draft when they selected Kentucky defensive end/outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith in the fourth round.
Often overshadowed by first round pick Bud Dupree, Smith was no slouch for Kentucky’s defensive front. As a hybrid-type defender, he offered enough diversity to warrant his fourth round status. Smith quietly complemented Dupree by posting 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks during his senior campaign. With his relative naivety as a football player, Smith is a player who will likely develop well with more experience.
As an athlete, Smith is far from a physical specimen. At 6’4, 274 pounds, his body type is too small – right now – for a 3-4 defensive end. Outside linebacker may be his calling.
In terms of measurables, Smith underwhelms.
His athletic deficiencies are likely the main reason he slid to the third day.
During games, Smith shows a lack of explosiveness. Overall, however, he displayed enough qualities to show that he can contribute in some fashion in the NFL.
While many have compared him to McPhee, Smith also has shown similarities to Courtney Upshaw, which may have contributed to Baltimore’s interest in him. Like Upshaw, Smith can be an edge-setting run defender. He can position himself outside the tackles to seal off outside run lanes.
Here, Smith (#94 – yellow arrow) properly diagnoses the run play and sets the edge:
While many will compare Smith to McPhee because he is replacing McPhee in the rotation (and kind of looks like him with a helmet on), Smith differs from McPhee in many ways. McPhee made a greater impact as a pass rusher, but Smith excels against the run.
With his ability to disengage and locate ball carriers, that is where Smith will find his biggest role as a Raven:
Although Za’Darius Smith is a high effort pass rusher, he does not offer enough to replace McPhee right away.
He can effectively disengage in run defense, but when rushing the quarterback, Smith is often neutralized by offensive linemen.
Smith could come along as a two-way player, not just a defender known for his play against the run. He displays more pass-rushing potential than Upshaw, who never seemed to fully grow in that department.
As a standup pass rusher, where Smith will likely see more time as a Raven, he displays more speed, effort and hand usage when getting to the quarterback:
From a short term perspective, Smith figures to spend his rookie season in a relatively limited rotational role at both outside linebacker and defensive end. As a fourth round pick, that is perfectly fine. Any first-year production would be a bonus.
Long-term, Smith could not only help aid the loss of McPhee, but potentially the loss of Upshaw. Set to be a free agent next year, an impressive fourth season by Upshaw could net him a better contract elsewhere. Having another backup edge defender in Smith would make a potential Upshaw departure easier to handle.
Getting Smith in the fourth round should pay off well long term for the Ravens. I don’t expect him to follow in the same footsteps as McPhee (day three pick turned $40 million man). Relative to his draft slot, Smith should provide value at least through his rookie contract for the Ravens.
