NFL Draft 2011: Jimmy Smith Is the Key to the Ravens Draft Being a Home Run

Baltimore is in desperate need of upgrades on the defensive side of the ball, and even though some could argue that their No. 1 need is a pass rusher, I would have to respectfully disagree.

Even though they posted a franchise-low 27 sacks last year, I believe that is due, more in part, to the fact that their secondary is horrendous. That, of course, isn't counting Ed Reed, who led the league in INTs, despite playing in only 10 games. They had one cornerback on the roster who was six-feet tall, and he was a nickel corner.

Their top two corners were 5'10" and 5'9". If the Ravens had a secondary that wasn't made up of backup guys, who can't competently defend opposing receivers, their pass-rush might actually have a chance to get to the QB. Anytime that a QB has a receiver open, just seconds after the snap, there isn't any pass rush that will have much success. As another point, Baltimore's passing defense efficiency has steadily declined over the last three seasons, allowing more Yds/TD/1st's/plays of 20+ and 40+ yards and recording less INTs.

I believe that Jimmy Smith has to be, and is, their guy. Ozzie does usually shy away from players with character concerns, but it appears that most of Smith's are being alleviated. Smith stands 6'2" and tips the scale at 211 pounds, giving the Ravens a physical presence that they have sorely missed since Chris McAlister controlled their secondary.

At the combine, he posted a 4.46 40-time and recorded 24 reps in the bench press. As many scouts say, you can't teach size and speed. He also has very good reach and hands, to go along with his speed and strength. Overall, he possesses the intangibles that all teams want in a shutdown corner.  In his senior year at Colorado, he started all 12 games at right cornerback, being thrown at only 20 times while in man-coverage.

Although he didn't record any interceptions, he had five pass break-ups. Granted, he has said some things that made people question his maturity and character, but I think it's more of a show of confidence in himself—something that would definitely fit-in in the Ravens' secondary. Under the tutelage of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, he would become a star.

Traditionally, Baltimore likes to trade around with their first-round pick, trying to optimize their pick's value. Over the last five drafts, Baltimore has traded up twice, stayed with their original pick twice and traded back twice.

In 2008, originally trading picks with Jacksonville, then trading back up with Houston. This year, they need to play the draft exactly how their defense plays—aggressively. Philadelphia has been the team, other than the Ravens, who are reportedly very high on Smith. It has been rumored that Philadelphia could trade out of the first round, giving Baltimore a better chance at adding Smith to bolster their secondary.

I believe that Ozzie needs to go out and get Smith, trading up with a team ahead of Philly to assure that they don't lose out on someone who could anchor their secondary for years. Even Indianapolis or Kansas City, who pick one and two spots ahead of the Eagles, respectively, could be potential trade partners.

Many believe that this is a very deep draft, in terms of corners, but after Patrick Peterson, Prince Amukamara and Jimmy Smith, there is a pretty steep drop off. The players available after that are complimentary corners, at best.

Baltimore needs that No. 1 guy, not another nickel-corner to add to their collection.

And Jimmy Smith should be that guy.