Ravens' 2023 midseason MVP, and it's not Lamar Jackson
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta took quite a gamble ahead of last season’s NFL trade deadline. In desperate need of a versatile middle linebacker, DeCosta went out and acquired Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears in exchange for A.J. Klein and a pair of draft picks. Fast-forward one year later, and it is safe […]
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta took quite a gamble ahead of last season’s NFL trade deadline. In desperate need of a versatile middle linebacker, DeCosta went out and acquired Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears in exchange for A.J. Klein and a pair of draft picks.
Fast-forward one year later, and it is safe to say that DeCosta hit a home run with his call to bring in Smith.
Smith has taken his game to new heights this year, which is why he is deserving of being called the Ravens’ MVP at the midway point of the 2023 season.
Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has provided a multitude of on-field responsibilities to Smith this season, and the former Georgia standout simply continues to pass each test with flying colors. Whether it has been as a pass rusher or when called upon to drop back in coverage, the one-time Pro Bowler has added another dimension to Baltimore’s No. 1 ranked defense.
One must also not overlook the sheer hustle that Smith brings to each and every play on the defensive side of the ball.
In the big picture, Smith may not be among the current favorites for the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, but he sure has what it takes to up his odds for this prestigious honor in the coming weeks.
