'It's Going To Be Pretty Sweet!' Ravens LB Roquan Smith Forecasts 'Best Year Yet' in 2023

Roquan Smith's transition to the Ravens' defensive scheme appeared to be seamless after his trade. But he recently admitted he guessed at times while playing defense, and thinks he could be in store for his best season as a pro.

In nine games with the Baltimore Ravens last season, linebacker Roquan Smith made the expected and desired impact. After arriving from the Chicago Bears via trade in late October, Smith registered 86 tackles, 51 solo, one interception and 23 passes defended.

The transition to the Ravens' defensive scheme appeared to be seamless, but he'll disagree. During a recent appearance on "The Lounge" podcast, Smith admitted he guessed at times while playing defense for Baltimore, but thinks he could be in store for his best season as a pro.

“I think now, having the offseason under my belt, the tail-end of the last season, and then with (training) camp and the preseason and stuff, I think it’s going to be pretty sweet,” Smith said. “I’m just excited to get out there and fly around with the guys because I think we’re in for something special and I think (for) myself personally, I think it’s probably going to be my best year yet.”

Where does such confidence come from? It could be partly because he spent some of the offseason with legendary Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who he models his game after.

“I dream of playing that style that he played and how physical he was,” Smith said. “I’m just trying to get any little ticks and tacks that I can pick up from him … Around (training) camp time (and) later in the season, going to get some more film work in to actually try to see the game from his eyes.”

Smith also thinks playing alongside Patrick Queen will help him be the best he can be. 

“I think we’re the best duo in the league and with us working this offseason and having all of camp together [and] preseason, get ready,” Smith said. “I think PQ is a heck of a player and I know the fire he has underneath him right now.”

In January, Smith signed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Ravens, including $45 million fully guaranteed with $60 million in total guarantees, making him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the league. 

Then in May, Smith officially changed his number to "0," becoming the first Raven in history to wear it as NFL rules for player numbers have changed. And now, the Ravens are ready for Smith and the defense to start posting some 0s on the scoreboard for opposing offenses.

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