Who Is Daryl Smith?

The Baltimore Ravens made another move to solidify their depth at the linebacker position this week by adding veteran linebacker Daryl Smith. Smith was drafted in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played 90 of 92 games stretching from 2004 to 2011 on his way to becoming the Jaguars all time leading tackler surpassing former safety Donovin Darius.

Daryl Smith attended Georgia Tech where he was a four year Letterman, a team captain and led the team in tackles for two of his four years. He started 44 of 46 games recording 383 tackles, 15 sacks, and three interceptions.

He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in the first week of the 2010 NFL Season for a performance against the Denver Broncos that included 7 tackles and an interception that sealed the win for the Jaguars.

Daryl Smith has passed the 100 tackle mark in seven straight years as of 2011.

Smith missed the first six games of the 2012 season due to injury. He was placed on the injured reserve-designated for return list on October 25, meaning he was eligible to return in week 15. He returned to play the New England Patriots in week 16 and recorded four tackles.

Most of what has been said about Smith since the Ravens signed him has been focused around him being an underrated player. Daryl is thought of as a hard worker that doesn't try and steal the spotlight. With Jameel McClain still recovering from his spinal chord bruise and rookie Arthur Brown recovering from a recent surgery, Smith could very well challenge for a starting spot at inside linebacker to start the season. Although he has played mostly outside linebacker throughout his career Smith has NFL experience at inside linebacker as well and played well there when given the chance. He also adds pass rushing ability to the line backing core.