Za'Darius Smith to Baltimore Ravens: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The Baltimore Ravens did not have any pressing needs heading into Day 3 of the 2015 NFL draft.

Because they addressed their biggest needs in the earlier rounds, they were able to stick to their "best player available" philosophy. In the fourth round, they wound up getting one of the best defenders available in Kentucky's Za'Darius Smith. 

A 6'6", 263-pound defensive end, Smith will play that same position in Baltimore's 3-4 defense at the NFL level.

How Smith Fits the Ravens

Earlier this offseason, Baltimore cut starting defensive end Chris Canty before re-signing the 32-year-old to a smaller contract. It doesn't look like he'll be a starter for much longer, and finding his replacement was something the Ravens wanted to do in the latter rounds of this draft.

They did just that by getting Smith, who was easily one of the best defensive linemen on the board here. He spent two years in junior college before transferring to Kentucky in 2013. 

This past season, Smith started in 12 games and registered 61 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. In 2013, Smith also started every game while notching 59 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. 

What made Smith special was his ability to set the edge and maintain his gap in run defense. He rarely got blown off the ball and taken out of plays that came to his side. 

Smith was also a decent pass-rusher with 10.5 career sacks in 24 games. The good news is he won't need to be much of a pass-rusher in Baltimore's 3-4 defense. 

For comparison, Canty has just 5.5 sacks over his past 35 games in the NFL. He has kept his starting job because of his ability to hold his ground and keep offensive linemen from blocking the Ravens' outside linebackers. 

That's what Smith will be asked to do in Baltimore's defense, and he has the ability to do so at a high level. 

Initial Reaction to Smith Selection

Defensive end wasn't a big position of need for next season. However, assuming Canty isn't going to play much longer after contemplating retirement this offseason, this could have become a weakness if not addressed. 

Baltimore ensured that it doesn't happen by getting maybe the best defensive end on the board with its fourth-round pick. Smith is someone who can compete for playing time as a rookie and maybe earn a starting job as soon as 2016.