The Baltimore Ravens traded for inside linebacker Roquan Smith the day before the 2022 trade deadline in exchange for a second-round pick, a fifth-round pick and inside linebacker A.J. Klein. A week later, Smith made his Ravens debut in New Orleans, making his presence felt with five total tackles and multiple big plays.
It’s not easy going from one team to another in the middle of a season, but Smith played well on short notice. Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald spoke to the media and was asked about Smith, raving about the new acquisition and his ability to pick up the playbook quickly.
"He picked up the whole playbook in about two days."
DC Mike Macdonald on Roquan Smith: pic.twitter.com/iNKW7JYCb9
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 17, 2022
“Yes, it was awesome to see him [Roquan Smith] out there. I wasn’t surprised about how well he acclimated. He picked up the whole playbook in like two days. How much comfort he has this week from last week – honestly, I feel like it’s about the same. There are a couple things in coverage that we play a little bit different than he had in Chicago more in like the [Vic] Fangio days, but it’s a piece of cake for him. It’s easy for him.”
With Smith on the defense and the team getting back other players from injury, the unit should be one of the toughest units in the league. The inside linebacker position was a question mark heading into the season, but now there is quality depth such as Smith, Patrick Queen, Malik Harrison and more.
