Jimmy Smith is playing at an All-Pro level

It’s been said for years, when Jimmy Smith is healthy, he is an elite cornerback. This season is seeing that statement come to realization. Smith is healthy and after an offseason where he did not have to rehab from any significant injury and as a result, his play has become as good as fans thought it could be.

At this rate, Smith is a shoe-in for his first Pro Bowl appearance. The real question becomes if the Associated Press’ first team All-Pro spot has become a real possibility. Smith is likely to keep up this level of play, as there is no reason (besides injury) for it to drop off. Pro Football Focus already has him rated as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. However, competition for the spot will be stiff. Jalen Ramsey's emergence, Marcus Peters' continued high level play and Patrick Peterson’s dominance over the past several years makes four corners all capable of nabbing the two spots available for the first team.

For Smith, the worst case scenario sees him on the second team, which would still be a notable accomplishment. He is the key cog in the Ravens secondary and spearheads a pass defense that is amongst the best in the league despite an up-and-down pass rush. If the Ravens finds themselves in the playoffs with marquee wins that feature Smith's excellent play, the veteran cornerback could finally start getting his just due.