In a somewhat shocking turn of events, Steve Smith is currently the highest ranked member of the Ravens according to the NFL's top 100 list. Earning his place all the way up at number 54, Smith ranks higher than fellow Ravens Terrell Suggs, Joe Flacco, Marshall Yanda, and Justin Forsett.
Despite being in his mid-30s and creeping towards the end of his career, Smith had a great season in 2014 with the Baltimore Ravens. Showing off his feisty personality, he quickly gained the trust of quarterback Joe Flacco and the entire offense as he hauled in 79 receptions for 1,065 yards and 6 touchdowns. Leading the Ravens in both receptions and in yards, Smith is one of only a few Raven receivers to ever eclipse the 1,000 yard mark in a season, topping guys like Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason in yards per year.
While this looks like it might be Smith's final year in football and we certainly know that Smith won't play until he's 40 based on his comments at last week's open media session of OTAs, he presents the most experienced member of the Ravens receiving corps. That experience and trust should see him finish off his career in grand fashion.
Smith's placement is a little tricky because of the Ravens ranked later than him. Guys like Marshall Yanda and Terrell Suggs are unanimously rated as the top players in their position by just about everyone in the league. Even though Smith still presents a unique threat on the field, he is hitting the back end of his career and is still a little ways behind the younger receiving stars in the league while both Suggs and Yanda are still putting up their best seasons just last year.
Either way, the Ravens and fans are happy to have yet another Raven ranked on this list and look forward to the few other players that should find their way on here in the coming weeks.