Steve Smith Sees A Young Randall Cobb When He Watches DeAndre Carter

Veteran Wide Receiver Steve Smith has been around the National Football League for a very long time, so his opinion has to hold some weight. Smith, speaking from OTA's, said about the new group of young wide receivers that they are "good healthy competition."

But when asked about diminutive undrafted free agent wide receiver DeAndre Carter, Smith had lofty praise.

"He's hungry" Smith said. "I love his attitude. I see a young Randall Cobb in him"

However lofty Steve Smith's praise of Carter, maybe Carter would have preferred to have been compared to the wide receiver who he idolized as a kid: Steve Smith.

Growing up in California, undrafted rookie wide receiver DeAndre Carter idolized Ravens five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith and patterned his game after him.

Carter -- 5 feet 8, 185 pounds -- saw a kindred spirit in Smith, a feisty, similarly-undersized wide receiver.

"Steve Smith kind of paved a path for shorter receivers in the league," Carter told The Baltimore Sun on Tuesday as the Ravens prepared to begin their first organized team activity. "He plays with a chip on his shoulder. I liked his game, like the way he plays and model my game after him."

The injury to his prime competition, Michael Campanaro yesterday opens up an even bigger opportunity for Carter, who has a chance to make the roster as the primary slot man and returner if he can beat out Campanaro.

Good luck to him!