Torrey Smith: Baltimore Ravens Star Explodes vs St. Louis Rams

Torrey Smith had to be smiling when he heard his name called as the Baltimore Ravens' second round pick in late April. Smith probably would have been ear-to-ear no matter which team drafted him, but heading to Baltimore was almost perfect.

As a deep threat out of Maryland, the biggest selling point for Smith was his speed. And now, after becoming a Raven, he was heading to a franchise in dire need of a field-stretcher to take full advantage of Joe Flacco's monster arm.  

For years, Flacco had lobbied for this type of receiver. Instead, he'd been given strong possession types like Anquan Boldin. On paper, the fit was perfect. Smith didn't have any competition for the long-route role, and he was heading to a team with a strong ground game capable of forcing defenses out of nickel and dime looks. Boldin could work the physical routes over the middle while Smith left NFL corners in his wake as he flew down the sidelines.

But things didn't go so smoothly for Smith through his first two NFL games. Lee Evans was brought in from Buffalo to stand in as the recipient of Flacco's bombs, and Smith didn't nab a single catch through Week 2. Then, with Evans suffering an ankle injury, Smith got the nod.

After the first quarter of Sunday's game at the St. Louis Rams, that nod has turned into full-blown whiplash.

Smith racked up three catches for 133 yards and three touchdowns in his first quarter as an NFL starter. For good measure, he added one first-half carry for 10 yards, but it's clear that his future in Baltimore will come as a deep threat. And that's the way he wants it.

That's the way Joe Flacco wants it.

Of course, Smith's staying power will determine his long-term NFL success. Evans won't be out forever, and there's no doubt that his return will at least slightly limit Smith's snaps. One game against the Rams secondary, no matter how great, does not solidify a player's starting status forever.

Still, Smith has the look of a receiver who won't go quietly. By all accounts, he was a high-character, hard-working player at Maryland. He clearly has the skills he'll ever need from a physical standpoint to succeed in this league. And he's found a home on a team with a young, ever-improving offense.

He certainly won't score three times in every quarter, but considering Flacco's well-known, long-standing desire for a burner on the outside, Smith might just be the next big thing in the AFC North.