[News] Evaluating Za'Darius Smith's Rookie Season

[BR News]

The Ravens’ fourth-round pick put up similar rookie stats to the man he replaced, Pernell McPhee.

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[chuchu707]

if suggs was playing, him, Z and doom wouldve destroyed O-lines

[bioLarzen]

5.5 sacks in his rookie season - especially with one of the opponent's top tackles on him most of the time - that's a great rookie season.

[bioLarzen]

Also, though we all know that Roethlisberger's butt belongs to Suggs, Smith may be a candidate to succeed him, as he seemed to have a knack of getting to Ben well enough...

[Halshayeji]

Smith got thrown into the fire waaaay too early but responded like a raven. Cant expect much more from a raw 4th rounder. Kudos

[cushrinada1986]

I love the idea of this guy on 3rd and long being able to just move around the line and burst through the gaps. Between him and Timmy, no way an Oline will keep both of them off a QB blitzing up the middle. We just need to keep adding to the rotation of solid pass rushers so the Oline has no rest or let up from the ravens assault. 

[jravens13]

ZaDarius definitely looks promising as he got up to the proper playing weight in the 2nd half of the season. I think he was a major part of our pass defense improvement along with the opponents we faced. Lets find another guy to get after the QB so we can have a nice rotation, and be prepared for injuries, because they WILL happen.

[TheSim]

Definitely the difference between his and McPhee's rookie PFF grades is the fact that for McPhee's rookie year (and really for his first 2.5 years), he was only really put in on true pass rush situations (3rd and long, usually), catering to his strength. Due to Suggs's injury, Z. Smith was rushing the passer in far more difficult circumstances than McPhee was. With that considered, a -3.8 grade (that's cumulative, not average) over 15 games, for a 4th round rookie is pretty darn good.

Edited January 20, 2016 by TheSim

[Nick04263]

Staying healthy with that many snaps early is already putting him on a faster pace than McPhee. Remember McPhee was a late bloomer because of the leg injuries he would go down with for extended periods of time.

Edited January 20, 2016 by Nick04263

[Purple Dawg 96]

Players like Z. Smith is the reason why the Ravens should rush four no more than five! The fifth man seeks and destroys and the six men playing back can read and react to the run or pass and suffocate Offenses w/o blitzing because I feel teams are waiting on the blitz to get the one on one match up down field when spreading out the Defense is all that is needed! P. Mack was my dog now Big Z is holding it down! SALUTE

[harfordravenfan]

Definitely the difference between his and McPhee's rookie PFF grades is the fact that for McPhee's rookie year (and really for his first 2.5 years), he was only really put in on true pass rush situations (3rd and long, usually), catering to his strength. Due to Suggs's injury, Z. Smith was rushing the passer in far more difficult circumstances than McPhee was. With that considered, a -3.8 grade (that's cumulative, not average) over 15 games, for a 4th round rookie is pretty darn good.

 

It will be nice to see him used as a McPhee role in third and long with Suggs and Doom on the outside, he did exceptional considering how he was thrown into the fire so soon. Looking forward to seeing what this guy can do his second year

[757RavensFan]

A rookie's 2nd year is when you normally see their potential. They get the benefit of training all off-season with NFL trainers from their respective teams. Z. Smith had a very good rookie season.  With the return of a healthy Suggs and additional pass rushers, Z. Smith should have an excellent sophomore campaign. 

[ALPHA]

More sacks than Bud Dupree

[The Greek]

if suggs can return to full health and come into camp in shape we will be ok as long as we bring in another pass rusher via draft, fa, trade to go along with z smith and doom. we need as many quality pass rushers as we can get. there should be guys available in the 3rd and 4th rds.

[Crusader]

I don't care if Suggs does come into training camp over weight because he did that in 2012 and see how that worked out! "Ravens may be looking at another year with Terrell Suggs" That should never be questioned. Smith has too much to learn.

[JetLife94]

McPhee played on a d-line with more talent his rookie season. I think Z did well for his rookie year. He's gonna be a great player.

[Ravensfansince03]

Misleading and overblown article. Pernell Mcphee's rookie season was split role time playing on a D-line with Ngata, Suggs, Kruger, and Arthur Jones. With Ray Lewis and company right behind him. Za'darius Smith has basically had an entire season at his disposal, and with Dumervil alongside still they couldn't hardly bring any pressure to save their own life.

Edited January 20, 2016 by Ravensfansince03

[steelcityraven]

Z played very well this year. The kid just seems to have a knack for making plays and the more we played him- the more that became evident. I like what he brings to this team... keep grinding and come in next year ready to take that next step!

[burnbigben]

not bad at all for a raw 4th round pick.

[TheSim]

Misleading and overblown article. Pernell Mcphee's rookie season was split role time playing on a D-line with Ngata, Suggs, Kruger, and Arthur Jones. With Ray Lewis and company right behind him. Za'darius Smith has basically had an entire season at his disposal, and with Dumervil alongside still they couldn't hardly bring any pressure to save their own life.

 

Not sure how to follow this argument. Why would you expect more from Za'Darius than McPhee, if you admit that McPhee had a better team around him?  Of course "they couldn't hardly bring any pressure to save their own life", because in 2015 they had a majority of their sacks from 2014 either at home in a walking boot or playing for the Lions and Bears.  It's easier to pile up sacks and tackles as a rookie when your opponent has to put guys on Suggs, Ngata, and Arthur Jones.

[power600]

We need as many pass rushers possible.

[ravensrock007]

Kid stepped up in my mind. Real contributor!

[Halshayeji]

More sacks than Bud Dupree

2 years in a row now. The steelers take who they think the Ravens want and the Ravens have last laugh. Last year Mosley outplayed Shazier who is a stud btw. This year Ozzie just rubbed it in by taking the guy across from Dupree 3 rounds later and had the last laugh lol

[Ravensfansince03]

Not sure how to follow this argument. Why would you expect more from Za'Darius than McPhee, if you admit that McPhee had a better team around him?  Of course "they couldn't hardly bring any pressure to save their own life", because in 2015 they had a majority of their sacks from 2014 either at home in a walking boot or playing for the Lions and Bears.  It's easier to pile up sacks and tackles as a rookie when your opponent has to put guys on Suggs, Ngata, and Arthur Jones.

 

You make a valid point

[Dorota]

The kid's exciting and has been on an upward performance curve.

[Crabcakes&Football]

Mcphee had the benefit of offenses focusing on stopping Suggs. Plus Suggs took the edge setting duties.