[News] Za'Darius Smith Emerging From Pernell McPhee's Shadow

[BR News]

The Ravens are moving second-year linebacker Za'Darius Smith around and focusing on his pass rushing. Head Coach John Harbaugh has 'really high expectations' for him.

View the full article

[steelcityraven]

hope that Z proves to be a better pick then his former Kentucky teammate Bud Dupree in pittsburgh

[EdTheMythicalOne]

Pernell was pretty good for us, but he slowed down in year two and three and didn't get hot again until his walk year. He did a good job in Chicago even though the sack numbers aren't high, he is near the top of the list in QB hurries. He's currently dealing with a pretty big injury though.

Z.Smith I hope becomes the player they think he can be because we're going to need him to help replace Suggs and Dum. Hopefully Correa can be the other guy. While our front three might be good against the run, they really don't get to the QB much, so if Smith can play the end and get rush from there that would be great.

[sizzlingdoom]

Pernell was pretty good for us, but he slowed down in year two and three and didn't get hot again until his walk year. He did a good job in Chicago even though the sack numbers aren't high, he is near the top of the list in QB hurries. He's currently dealing with a pretty big injury though.

Z.Smith I hope becomes the player they think he can be because we're going to need him to help replace Suggs and Dum. Hopefully Correa can be the other guy. While our front three might be good against the run, they really don't get to the QB much, so if Smith can play the end and get rush from there that would be great.

I think Z would be best utilized in a JJ-Upshaw/Mcphee role for the future to come. That would allow us to utilize all of his strengths, while keeping him fresh and not playing him every single down. Especially relying on that from a late round pick-though I don't doubt his ability. I'd be a little surprised if both Suggs AND Doom retire after this year. If they do, we should be unloading some big time contracts/pay offs soon anyways which would only add to our cap ava. But we have Z for years, Doom or Sizzle for one more I think, and KC playing the middle and going crazy on the edges for years to come. With all this said, I see us drafting a pass rusher in the next 3 rounds next year, or signing a very nice free agent.
Quickly I'll address your front 3 statement before I make my main opinion. I agree with you to a degree on that. Timmy has been less than anticipated so far. Especially with his personal fouls. And we just spent a high 3rd rounder on Kufasi only to see him go down which is unfair to not include. We drafted him for pass rush and more. Also, BWILL gets good pressure, esp considering he's a 340 lb. NT. There also aren't many front 3' that get great pressure. (Watt is absurd).
Call me CRAZY but I could see Mr Judon taking over Suggs role in the future. I know know, but I like this kid. Let's just wait and see

[ellicottraven]

He really came on strong at the end of last season. If he can continue on the same trajectory as he ended last year, I wouldn't put double digit sacks past him this year.

[The Greek]

unfortunately he will be gone in a few years like so many others after their rookie contract is up.

[bioLarzen]

I don'tt hink he was on Pernell's shadow in the first place... Same position, same jersey number, same hairstyle... of course the parallel was drawn... If he goes on with his career like he set it off in his rookie season, nobody's gonna talk about McPhee this time next year - just like nobody's really talking about Ngata with Brandon Williams on board.

[fusuymada]

unfortunately he will be gone in a few years like so many others after their rookie contract is up.

Ozzie isn't going to be bullied into a bad contract by any player. Whether it was KO last year (we kept Yanda, who is a pro-bowler not a wannabe pro-bowler who has yet to prove it), or Haloti Ngata (who did nothing when he left) or McPhee or Ellerbe or any of the others who demanded more money than they were worth (and then went out and proved Ozzie right). If Z Smith does the same then let someone else overpay for him. It's not like the Ravens are the only team who can't afford to sign every player, it is the whole NFL. Second guessers who don't even have 20-20 hindsight really irk me. Whether you think Ozzie is great in the draft or not, I take the opinions of other front offices in the league who always rate him in the top 3 and those who think he can't retain quality talent, then look at those who left, what they were paid, and what was their production. Then look at who he has kept in their prime. People who say Ozzie has lost it, never had it or should be fired don't know the facts or don't want to know the facts.

[Ravenous_Ravens]

  1 hour ago, The Greek said:

unfortunately he will be gone in a few years like so many others after their rookie contract is up.

Ozzie isn't going to be bullied into a bad contract by any player. Whether it was KO last year (we kept Yanda, who is a pro-bowler not a wannabe pro-bowler who has yet to prove it), or Haloti Ngata (who did nothing when he left) or McPhee or Ellerbe or any of the others who demanded more money than they were worth (and then went out and proved Ozzie right). If Z Smith does the same then let someone else overpay for him. It's not like the Ravens are the only team who can't afford to sign every player, it is the whole NFL. Second guessers who don't even have 20-20 hindsight really irk me. Whether you think Ozzie is great in the draft or not, I take the opinions of other front offices in the league who always rate him in the top 3 and those who think he can't retain quality talent, then look at those who left, what they were paid, and what was their production. Then look at who he has kept in their prime. People who say Ozzie has lost it, never had it or should be fired don't know the facts or don't want to know the facts.

Ozzie's best attributes as a GM has always been his ability to accurately assess players value, both current and future. He is not perfect but his record would suggest that he is correct more often than not. One aspect many players overlook to some degree, especially when only having played for one team is the amount of success they enjoy because of the system they are in and how the pieces fit together. A strong system allows for everyone in that system to achieve more collectively. Ozzie has never been shy to stick to his guns, which is where his value is best realized. Even if it sometimes urks fans in the moment, in hindsight he typically is making the right moves for the time being and the future.

My only qualm about Ozzie is he not the best at drafting WR's. He is not horrible by any stretch, but this is clearly an area for improvement IHMO. He is much better at signing WR talent and that may be the windfall of not drafting that position as well historically.

[stixfix69]

i'm not going to hate on players who go for the money, as players usually only have that one chance at the big contract, and if you think about it, they got the big money for what they did during their rookie contracts, which pretty much evens itself out, considering their is a rookie cap.....I've always said, this organizations had made a lot of players multi-millionaires, and that is how Oz should be judged, making mid round picks into big money players.....

[Ravenous_Ravens]

IHMO a lot of teams are going to be game planning for Suggs and Dumervil but will get a rude wake up by the likes of the younger generation of pass rushers. Guys like Z Smith and KC are going to be wildcards to watch for and will be coming from all over the field by the sounds of things. I could see all 4 of those players on the field in some situations. I also think the D line will be much more menacing this year, with less rookie type mistakes and bad penalties.

[stixfix69]

IHMO a lot of teams are going to be game planning for Suggs and Dumervil but will get a rude wake up by the likes of the younger generation of pass rushers. Guys like Z Smith and KC are going to be wildcards to watch for and will be coming from all over the field by the sounds of things. I could see all 4 of those players on the field in some situations. I also think the D line will be much more menacing this year, with less rookie type mistakes and bad penalties.

That was the silver lining from last season, the rookies, and 2nd year players got real game experience due to all the injuries, and that is why i am very optimistic about this year.....I also think Judon, and Henry will make plays for us, and will become the real deal over the next few years.....

[Maryland]

Oh how I would love for Z'Smith to be a sack-master and completely out-class the Steelers' Bud Dupree. We could always use more material to brag about. (Z.Smith and Dupree were both teammates at Kentucky, though Dupree went in the first due to H/W/S potential while Z.Smith went of day 3 despite having better production).

[GENE2407]

Got a lot of hope for this guy. I really don't want to wait until year 3 or 4 for him to make a mark. If he does it now, we'll be able to get him under contract sooner instead of watching him walk to another team.

[GENE2407]

i'm not going to hate on players who go for the money, as players usually only have that one chance at the big contract, and if you think about it, they got the big money for what they did during their rookie contracts, which pretty much evens itself out, considering their is a rookie cap.....I've always said, this organizations had made a lot of players multi-millionaires, and that is how Oz should be judged, making mid round picks into big money players.....

Ozzie's real mark was making 1st and 2nd rounders into Hall of Famers. The 4ths and 5ths really just round out the roster. Not many pro bowlers from those rounds anywhere in the NFL.

[stampedehero]

Zman will rule the line.......

[stampedehero]

Oh how I would love for Z'Smith to be a sack-master and completely out-class the Steelers' Bud Dupree. We could always use more material to brag about. (Z.Smith and Dupree were both teammates at Kentucky, though Dupree went in the first due to H/W/S potential while Z.Smith went of day 3 despite having better production).

Good point

[mearzunkies]

  6 hours ago, EdTheMythicalOne said:

Pernell was pretty good for us, but he slowed down in year two and three and didn't get hot again until his walk year. He did a good job in Chicago even though the sack numbers aren't high, he is near the top of the list in QB hurries. He's currently dealing with a pretty big injury though.

Z.Smith I hope becomes the player they think he can be because we're going to need him to help replace Suggs and Dum. Hopefully Correa can be the other guy. While our front three might be good against the run, they really don't get to the QB much, so if Smith can play the end and get rush from there that would be great.

I think Z would be best utilized in a JJ-Upshaw/Mcphee role for the future to come. That would allow us to utilize all of his strengths, while keeping him fresh and not playing him every single down. Especially relying on that from a late round pick-though I don't doubt his ability. I'd be a little surprised if both Suggs AND Doom retire after this year. If they do, we should be unloading some big time contracts/pay offs soon anyways which would only add to our cap ava. But we have Z for years, Doom or Sizzle for one more I think, and KC playing the middle and going crazy on the edges for years to come. With all this said, I see us drafting a pass rusher in the next 3 rounds next year, or signing a very nice free agent.
Quickly I'll address your front 3 statement before I make my main opinion. I agree with you to a degree on that. Timmy has been less than anticipated so far. Especially with his personal fouls. And we just spent a high 3rd rounder on Kufasi only to see him go down which is unfair to not include. We drafted him for pass rush and more. Also, BWILL gets good pressure, esp considering he's a 340 lb. NT. There also aren't many front 3' that get great pressure. (Watt is absurd).
Call me CRAZY but I could see Mr Judon taking over Suggs role in the future. I know know, but I like this kid. Let's just wait and see

If so JJ and Upshaw were edge setters and that was all...

[mearzunkies]

I don'tt hink he was on Pernell's shadow in the first place... Same position, same jersey number, same hairstyle... of course the parallel was drawn... If he goes on with his career like he set it off in his rookie season, nobody's gonna talk about McPhee this time next year - just like nobody's really talking about Ngata with Brandon Williams on board.

Well said G!

[mearzunkies]

  5 hours ago, The Greek said:

unfortunately he will be gone in a few years like so many others after their rookie contract is up.

Ozzie isn't going to be bullied into a bad contract by any player. Whether it was KO last year (we kept Yanda, who is a pro-bowler not a wannabe pro-bowler who has yet to prove it), or Haloti Ngata (who did nothing when he left) or McPhee or Ellerbe or any of the others who demanded more money than they were worth (and then went out and proved Ozzie right). If Z Smith does the same then let someone else overpay for him. It's not like the Ravens are the only team who can't afford to sign every player, it is the whole NFL. Second guessers who don't even have 20-20 hindsight really irk me. Whether you think Ozzie is great in the draft or not, I take the opinions of other front offices in the league who always rate him in the top 3 and those who think he can't retain quality talent, then look at those who left, what they were paid, and what was their production. Then look at who he has kept in their prime. People who say Ozzie has lost it, never had it or should be fired don't know the facts or don't want to know the facts.

MAN Ravens fans on a roll tonight!! GREAT POST!

[mearzunkies]

  4 hours ago, fusuymada said:

  5 hours ago, The Greek said:

unfortunately he will be gone in a few years like so many others after their rookie contract is up.

Ozzie isn't going to be bullied into a bad contract by any player. Whether it was KO last year (we kept Yanda, who is a pro-bowler not a wannabe pro-bowler who has yet to prove it), or Haloti Ngata (who did nothing when he left) or McPhee or Ellerbe or any of the others who demanded more money than they were worth (and then went out and proved Ozzie right). If Z Smith does the same then let someone else overpay for him. It's not like the Ravens are the only team who can't afford to sign every player, it is the whole NFL. Second guessers who don't even have 20-20 hindsight really irk me. Whether you think Ozzie is great in the draft or not, I take the opinions of other front offices in the league who always rate him in the top 3 and those who think he can't retain quality talent, then look at those who left, what they were paid, and what was their production. Then look at who he has kept in their prime. People who say Ozzie has lost it, never had it or should be fired don't know the facts or don't want to know the facts.

Ozzie's best attributes as a GM has always been his ability to accurately assess players value, both current and future. He is not perfect but his record would suggest that he is correct more often than not. One aspect many players overlook to some degree, especially when only having played for one team is the amount of success they enjoy because of the system they are in and how the pieces fit together. A strong system allows for everyone in that system to achieve more collectively. Ozzie has never been shy to stick to his guns, which is where his value is best realized. Even if it sometimes urks fans in the moment, in hindsight he typically is making the right moves for the time being and the future.

My only qualm about Ozzie is he not the best at drafting WR's. He is not horrible by any stretch, but this is clearly an area for improvement IHMO. He is much better at signing WR talent and that may be the windfall of not drafting that position as well historically.

Yet another GREAT post!

[mearzunkies]

IHMO a lot of teams are going to be game planning for Suggs and Dumervil but will get a rude wake up by the likes of the younger generation of pass rushers. Guys like Z Smith and KC are going to be wildcards to watch for and will be coming from all over the field by the sounds of things. I could see all 4 of those players on the field in some situations. I also think the D line will be much more menacing this year, with less rookie type mistakes and bad penalties.

Add in the revamped secondary and OH YEAH(cool aid dude voice)!!!!

[mearzunkies]

Oh how I would love for Z'Smith to be a sack-master and completely out-class the Steelers' Bud Dupree. We could always use more material to brag about. (Z.Smith and Dupree were both teammates at Kentucky, though Dupree went in the first due to H/W/S potential while Z.Smith went of day 3 despite having better production).

Sounds like he will be an edge setter. I hope not.

[sizzlingdoom]

  14 hours ago, sizzlingdoom said:

  15 hours ago, EdTheMythicalOne said:

Pernell was pretty good for us, but he slowed down in year two and three and didn't get hot again until his walk year. He did a good job in Chicago even though the sack numbers aren't high, he is near the top of the list in QB hurries. He's currently dealing with a pretty big injury though.

Z.Smith I hope becomes the player they think he can be because we're going to need him to help replace Suggs and Dum. Hopefully Correa can be the other guy. While our front three might be good against the run, they really don't get to the QB much, so if Smith can play the end and get rush from there that would be great.

I think Z would be best utilized in a JJ-Upshaw/Mcphee role for the future to come. That would allow us to utilize all of his strengths, while keeping him fresh and not playing him every single down. Especially relying on that from a late round pick-though I don't doubt his ability. I'd be a little surprised if both Suggs AND Doom retire after this year. If they do, we should be unloading some big time contracts/pay offs soon anyways which would only add to our cap ava. But we have Z for years, Doom or Sizzle for one more I think, and KC playing the middle and going crazy on the edges for years to come. With all this said, I see us drafting a pass rusher in the next 3 rounds next year, or signing a very nice free agent.
Quickly I'll address your front 3 statement before I make my main opinion. I agree with you to a degree on that. Timmy has been less than anticipated so far. Especially with his personal fouls. And we just spent a high 3rd rounder on Kufasi only to see him go down which is unfair to not include. We drafted him for pass rush and more. Also, BWILL gets good pressure, esp considering he's a 340 lb. NT. There also aren't many front 3' that get great pressure. (Watt is absurd).
Call me CRAZY but I could see Mr Judon taking over Suggs role in the future. I know know, but I like this kid. Let's just wait and see

If so JJ and Upshaw were edge setters and that was all...

Thats why I put their role as one, and Mcphee's role was completely different. I think Z id perfect for a combination of those two roles

[sizzlingdoom]

  11 hours ago, Maryland said:

Oh how I would love for Z'Smith to be a sack-master and completely out-class the Steelers' Bud Dupree. We could always use more material to brag about. (Z.Smith and Dupree were both teammates at Kentucky, though Dupree went in the first due to H/W/S potential while Z.Smith went of day 3 despite having better production).

Sounds like he will be an edge setter. I hope not.

He's an edge setter than can also rush the passer...kinda what we were hoping for from Upshaw. Not positive but doesn't Z already have more sacks then Upshaw did over his whole tenure with us??

[billiejean]

  22 hours ago, EdTheMythicalOne said:

Pernell was pretty good for us, but he slowed down in year two and three and didn't get hot again until his walk year. He did a good job in Chicago even though the sack numbers aren't high, he is near the top of the list in QB hurries. He's currently dealing with a pretty big injury though.

Z.Smith I hope becomes the player they think he can be because we're going to need him to help replace Suggs and Dum. Hopefully Correa can be the other guy. While our front three might be good against the run, they really don't get to the QB much, so if Smith can play the end and get rush from there that would be great.

I think Z would be best utilized in a JJ-Upshaw/Mcphee role for the future to come. That would allow us to utilize all of his strengths, while keeping him fresh and not playing him every single down. Especially relying on that from a late round pick-though I don't doubt his ability. I'd be a little surprised if both Suggs AND Doom retire after this year. If they do, we should be unloading some big time contracts/pay offs soon anyways which would only add to our cap ava. But we have Z for years, Doom or Sizzle for one more I think, and KC playing the middle and going crazy on the edges for years to come. With all this said, I see us drafting a pass rusher in the next 3 rounds next year, or signing a very nice free agent.
Quickly I'll address your front 3 statement before I make my main opinion. I agree with you to a degree on that. Timmy has been less than anticipated so far. Especially with his personal fouls. And we just spent a high 3rd rounder on Kufasi only to see him go down which is unfair to not include. We drafted him for pass rush and more. Also, BWILL gets good pressure, esp considering he's a 340 lb. NT. There also aren't many front 3' that get great pressure. (Watt is absurd).
Call me CRAZY but I could see Mr Judon taking over Suggs role in the future. I know know, but I like this kid. Let's just wait and see

you do realize that JJ and Upshaw had a totally different role than Mcphee, Right?

[billiejean]

IHMO a lot of teams are going to be game planning for Suggs and Dumervil but will get a rude wake up by the likes of the younger generation of pass rushers. Guys like Z Smith and KC are going to be wildcards to watch for and will be coming from all over the field by the sounds of things. I could see all 4 of those players on the field in some situations. I also think the D line will be much more menacing this year, with less rookie type mistakes and bad penalties.

you're confidence in our two over the hill pass rushers may be a bit optimistic.

[billiejean]

  15 hours ago, mearzunkies said:

  18 hours ago, Maryland said:

Oh how I would love for Z'Smith to be a sack-master and completely out-class the Steelers' Bud Dupree. We could always use more material to brag about. (Z.Smith and Dupree were both teammates at Kentucky, though Dupree went in the first due to H/W/S potential while Z.Smith went of day 3 despite having better production).

Sounds like he will be an edge setter. I hope not.

He's an edge setter than can also rush the passer...kinda what we were hoping for from Upshaw. Not positive but doesn't Z already have more sacks then Upshaw did over his whole tenure with us??

there is this thing called google where you can find these answers. I wouldn't put to much stock in Zs sack numbers. I know that at least two of them he got on a stunt up the middle that confused the O Line. And when no one is blocking you, you better be able to pick up a sack or two.

[billiejean]

Pernell was pretty good for us, but he slowed down in year two and three and didn't get hot again until his walk year. He did a good job in Chicago even though the sack numbers aren't high, he is near the top of the list in QB hurries. He's currently dealing with a pretty big injury though.

Z.Smith I hope becomes the player they think he can be because we're going to need him to help replace Suggs and Dum. Hopefully Correa can be the other guy. While our front three might be good against the run, they really don't get to the QB much, so if Smith can play the end and get rush from there that would be great.

LOL he slowed down in year two and three? Of course he did. Very rarely is an NFL player asked to switch positions in the middle of his career and switching from a 3-4 DE to a 3-4 OLB is unheard of (4-3DE to 3-4OLB is pretty common because there are a lot of similarities). You really have to give Mcphee a lot of credit for that. Not only did he have to change his body but his mindset had to change as well. Very very impressive. And its not like he's just an average OLB, the man has excelled at the position.