Torrey Smith: Has Baltimore Ravens WR Taken Lead in Rookie of the Year Race?

The Ravens drafted Torrey Smith out of Maryland to give their older and slower receiving corps a new dimension of speed and take advantage of Joe Flacco's big arm. So far in Smith's first start for the injured Lee Evans, things are going exactly as Ozzie Newsome envisioned.The Rams simply have no answer for Smith, who is responsible for all 21 of the Ravens points in the first half. 

Does this put Smith in the running for rookie of the year?

If Smith can play at a level that is remotely close to the day he is having today, he has to be in consideration. Smith isn't just catching bombs behind the Rams defense—he's going into the teeth of the defense and catching everything thrown at him.

However, Smith's big day can be at least partially attributed to St. Louis just not expecting Smith to be as explosive as he is. As the year goes on, teams will be more aware of Smith and plan for him accordingly, similar to what Michael Vick experienced a year ago. 

As for his competition, Cam Newton still has to be the early favorite. Despite a slow day against the Jaguars, he already has about 1,000 passing yards in three games. Broncos linebacker Von Miller may not be putting up huge numbers, but he has been very impressive on tape. A.J. Green, the first receiver taken in the 2011 draft, is having a big impact already in Cincinnati. Mark Ingram, Marcel Dareus and Ryan Kerrigan are all also playing at high levels for their respective teams.

However, if Smith continues to play like this, not only will he be in the conversation for rookie of the year, but the Ravens offense is a lot more dangerous.