Fansided
Fansided

NFL Players Most Likely To Reach 1st Pro Bowl In 2016

By Erik Lambert

Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 32
Next
Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Jimmy Smith (Baltimore Ravens)

He hasn’t always been the most consistent guy in the secondary but Jimmy Smith is the best cornerback the Baltimore Ravens have. It’s also clear he was left hung out to dry most of last season. A big reason was the deterioration of the pass rush. Star linebacker Terrell Suggs was lost for the season in the first game and Elvis Dumervil began to show his age at 31. Throw in an inept offense following the injury to Joe Flacco and it’s really hard for a cornerback to excel in those conditions.

Despite that he still managed a career-best three interceptions in 2015. Not to mention a sack. With the return of Suggs and the edition of a much-needed voice in the secondary in safety Eric Weddle, Smith is poised to have a breakout season. He’s got experience, good health and a favorable front seven with better depth than last year. All he has to do is play the games at this point. If the Ravens can get back to the playoffs, his star should rise.

Next: BUF

Home/NFL Hot Takes