Michael Campanaro ready to learn behind Steve Smith

Not much should be expected of former Wake Forest receiver Michael Campanaro in his first season with the franchise.

After all, he was a seventh-rounder and has Torrey Smith, Steve Smith, Jacoby Jones and Marlon Brown ahead of him on the depth chart. But Campanaro, projected to be a fifth-rounder before sliding on day three of the draft, does have a niche the Ravens could use.

The club has needed a slot receiver for some time, someone that can move the chains and be reliable in the underneath passing game. With Steve Smith joining the team as a short-term addition, he could serve as the perfect mentor for Campanaro.

It appears the River Hill graduate thinks the same thing.

"[When] I go out there and I'm with the receivers, Steve and I are definitely the smallest, shortest guys there," Campanaro told reporters at the Ravens' rookie minicamp this past weekend. "He is a Hall of Fame receiver. He's gotten it done for so many years. So, having a guy like that who I can learn from him and see the little things he does preparing with his game, it's going to help out a ton."

Campanaro should get plenty of time to adjust to the NFL with the players above him at the position. But he'll certainly find a chance to work his way onto the field if he proves he can handle it, even as a rookie.

"Right now, I'm just learning the playbook," Campanaro said. "We've got a Hall of Fame receiver in there in Steve Smith, so it's good just watching him and learning from a guy like that, and Torrey [Smith] and Jacoby [Jones]. So, right now I'm just learning the playbook. I think I could help out the team in any way - special teams and offense. I'm just going to keep working hard and see where I end up."