Since being drafted in 2018, Roquan Smith has been a stalwart in the middle of the field, hunkering down as an Inside Linebacker for both the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens. He is one of the two best defensive field generals in the NFL, alongside Fred Warner. After an All-Pro year in his first full season as a Raven, Smith has added to his already impressive resume at the young age of 26.
With the dust settled on the Ravens’ season, let’s take a look at how the first six years of Roquan’s career stack up against a couple of other all-time greats, including another domineering Ravens star, Ray Lewis. The results may surprise you.
Luke Kuechly
Luke Kuechly, had his career not been cut short due to head injuries, may have gone down as the greatest Linebacker the game has ever seen. In eight seasons, Kuechly racked up 7 Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pro nods from 2012-2019. As things stand right now, Roquan has played six seasons and 94 games. In that time span, Smith has 851 total tackles, 9 interceptions and 4 All-Pro honors, as well as 20 sacks and 31 PBUs. After Kuechly’s sixth season, in the same areas, he had 818 tackles in eight less games, with 15 INTs and 5 All-Pros. Kuechly also had a Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. The Panthers star tacked on 10.5 sacks and 48 PBUs. Kuechly through six years, albeit in a different era, had slightly outpaced where Smith is right now. However, the fact that it’s even comparable is a testament to Smith, who will likely have longevity on his side.
Ray Lewis
Ray Lewis is the greatest Middle Linebacker to ever play in the National Football League. Number 52 for Baltimore brought an unmatched passion, energy and amount of production to the gridiron. With another all-world Linebacker in Baltimore, it’s only fair to look at the tale of the tape between Lewis and Smith. Ray had amassed 878 tackles in his first six seasons through 92 games, two less than Roquan. Lewis slightly outpaced the ball-hawking numbers of Smith, tallying 12 picks and 24 PBUs. With respect to accolades, Lewis had under his belt 5 All-Pros and a Defensive Player of the Year in year five.
When it comes to Roquan Smith on paper, the only individual thing missing is that coveted DPOTY award, which naturally leans more and more towards edge rushers. If the Ravens continue to be as dominant without Mike Macdonald as they were with him, Smith could earn himself the honor, one that Ray Lewis won again in 2003. Of course, a Super Bowl would also elevate Smith in the eyes of the average fan, team accomplishment or not. At the end of the day, Roquan Smith has a chance to become one of the all-time greats like Kuechly and Lewis if he continues this trajectory. It is truly special to witness an NFL with him and Warner at the forefront of the modern defense.