Balitmore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith has not been healthy during the last few seasons. Things have been tough since a foot injury derailed him in the middle of the 2014 NFL season. Moving past the injury and getting to 100 percent has been difficult, but it looks like he has turned the corner this year.
With the Baltimore Ravens already having major problems in the secondary, having Smith at less than 100 percent, or out of the lineup entirely, was something else that they had to deal with. Getting him back, and fully healthy, could be a game changer for the team.
Jimmy Smith Is Healthy and Ready to Make Plays for the Baltimore Ravens
Jimmy Smith, chosen with the 27th pick of the 2011 NFL draft out of the University of Colorado, had a disappointing first few seasons. Some analysts even began to look at him as a waste of a draft pick or a bust. Ozzie Newsome had confidence that he would be developed into a successful NFL player.
Taking Jimmy Smith, especially in the first round, was a risky move by the Ravens. His talent was there, as he was a two-time all Big 12 cornerback. Some experts even thought that he could go in the top ten of the draft. The only problem with Smith was that he had some off the field issues involving marijuana. Smith got his act together, though, and hasn’t had a problem with it since.
Breaking Out Before Getting Hurt
For Smith, 2013 was an outstanding year, as he showed that he could play at a high level. Until his injury in 2014, he was continuing to play at that high level, allowing only 20 catches for 163 yards and no touchdowns in eight games. He was pushing for a Pro Bowl and putting his name in the same conversation as the top cornerbacks in the league.
After recovering from his injury, he played in all 16 games in 2015, getting three interceptions and returning one for a touchdown. There would have been a fourth interception, along with a second touchdown that would have gone for 99 yards, if not for a penalty on the play.
He was healthy enough to play, but was nowhere near 100 percent. Smith could say himself that he wasn’t in his preferred or normal form to play. Smith told Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun:
“You just keep fighting. It’s not like I’m out there just getting killed. I’m not depressed by it. The balls are going to come. I expect them to come. I got to make plays.”
Dean Pees, the Ravens defensive coordinator, said himself that he noticed that Jimmy Smith wasn’t playing up to his potential. Pees also commented to Zrebiec:
“Whether that’s the injury or whether it’s not, only he can tell you that. I just haven’t seen him quite be the, where I’ll say, productive player…”
Looking Forward
Looking forward to 2016, Jimmy Smith believes to be healthy. He doesn’t feel bothered by any injury, and is ready to get to work as training camp is beginning. He was left off of the physically unable to perform list, which is a great sign of progress.
While being completely healthy, Smith can once again attempt to make a name for himself and possibly be among the best cornerbacks in the leagues. As with anything, time will tell, so keep a look out for him during training camp.
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