Since Week 6, Ravens inside linebacker Daryl Smith has been one of the best in the NFL. After a slow start that saw him grade negatively in five of six games, he turned his season around and hasn’t graded below +0.3 since.
He has done it in all three phases: ranking second in run support (+13.3), third in coverage (+7.5), and sixth rushing the passer (+3.3). Plus he’s missed only 29 snaps during that span (11 games), and he’s seemingly gotten better as the season has gone on – four of his last five games have him grading at or above +2.8.
He’s long been known for his ability in coverage and the last 11 games have been no exception. He’s allowed just 22 receptions on 32 targets for 215 yards, which ranks him top five in Cover Snaps Per Target (12.0), Yards Per Cover Snap (0.60), and Cover Snaps Per Reception (16.4).
His tackling has also been superb. Only two rank ahead of him in Tackle Efficiency during a season in which he’s missed just two tackles despite playing almost every snap for Baltimore.
Reports have Smith serving as a mentor for first rounder C.J. Mosley, and the Ravens hope he continues to lead the defense further into the playoffs.
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