Jadeveon Clowney explains why Ravens' Roquan Smith is the best linebacker he's ever played with

Jadeveon Clowney has played alongside multiple Pro Bowler linebackers in his career, from Brian Cushing to Bobby Wagner. For the veteran pass rusher, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith stands above them all. "I have not played with anyone like Roquan," Clowney said after the Ravens’ Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns. "In 10 years, […]

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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) reacts after a play during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Jadeveon Clowney has played alongside multiple Pro Bowler linebackers in his career, from Brian Cushing to Bobby Wagner. For the veteran pass rusher, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith stands above them all.

"I have not played with anyone like Roquan," Clowney said after the Ravens’ Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns. "In 10 years, no linebacker I've ever played with [has been] better than him. I have a lot of friends that played with me, too, at linebacker, but they don't have the attitude or intensity they play with like Roquan Smith since I've played in the league."

Smith has kicked off his second season in Baltimore on the right track. He entered Week 4 ranking in the top 10 in all of the NFL in multiple stats, including total tackles (33). He also tallied 33 blitzes and 1.5 sacks, and he is currently on track to set new career highs in both stats.

Overall, Baltimore’s defense has opened up the 2023 campaign on a promising note, and Clowney credits Smith for helping to get the best out of a multitude of players on this side of the ball.

"He's bringing the best out of a lot of guys around him," Clowney said. "When you have a leader like that that's going to put it all out there not just on Sundays, but on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, the whole week, and you come to the game, and it just rolls over. It rubs off on people. It's contagious. We just stick together, and 'Go Ro.'"

Smith logged 10 total tackles in the Ravens’ 28-3 road win against Cleveland.

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