The Ravens’ trade for linebacker Roquan Smith has worked out as well as everyone thought it would. He was a perfect fit for a team that needed a steadying presence next to Patrick Queen and an enforcer on the second level. Since trading for Smith in Week 9, the Ravens rank second in points allowed per drive, third in defensive EPA per play and third in run defense success rate.
Smith’s ability to read and close against the run is impressive, but his ability to restrict space in the middle of the field against the pass is what makes him so valuable.