The Baltimore Ravens defense was a mess last season, but one of the lone bright spots was linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith last season recorded 130 tackles, one fumble recovery, and three pass deflections. He is 29 years old.
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) sits on the field after failing to convert on fourth down as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) and safety Kyle Hamilton (14) celebrate late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Nov. 16, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Smith is one of the best linebackers in the NFL. He is the second-best linebacker in the NFL, according to ESPN.com. What did some other executives or coaches across the league have to say about him?
NFL Personnel Evaluator Makes Stunning Statement About Baltimore Ravens LB Roquan Smith
Nov 23, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) rushes as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) defends during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
An NFL personnel evaluator talked to ESPN.com NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler about what makes Smith so special. That NFL personnel evaluator said,
“He’s f—ing nasty coming downhill. He sees it fast, good blitzer, good eyes, cuts the ball off in the run game.”
Smith has been a very good linebacker throughout his NFL career here. He is about to be entering his ninth NFL season. Smith has been with the Ravens since the 2022 NFL season. He was acquired in a trade from the Chicago Bears during the middle of that NFL season.
Smith played in 15 games with Baltimore last season. He will be a useful force in Jesse Minter’s defense this season. If Smith were to ever get injured for Baltimore at any point and miss a lengthy period of time, the defense would lose its identity also.
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