Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens' Roquan Smith reveals big expectations for 2023

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 6/20/23

The Ravens traded for LB Roquan Smith midway through the 2022 season, and it didn't take long for him to become an impact player and leader on defense. However, he has even bigger expectations for 2023.

"I think there's a lot of things I can do better. My missed tackle, I want to have those percentages lower. I want to get more opportunities of putting my hand on the ball...just making more splash plays," Smith said on "The Lounge" podcast. "I'm just excited to get out there and fly around with the guys because I think we're in for something special...I think it's probably going to be my best year yet."

"I think it's probably going to be my best year yet."

You don't want to miss Roquan Smith on The Lounge podcast.

https://t.co/wQTymQTdaU
https://t.co/MKv5Tfz4XU pic.twitter.com/gN2C3bUIuz
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 20, 2023

It's a lofty goal for a player that has never had a season with fewer than 100 tackles, two sacks and one interception, but the 26-year-old is in his prime and it shouldn't surprise anyone if it is his best season yet.

Baltimore clearly believes Smith can be its anchor in the middle of the defense as the team made him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the league in January, signing him to a five-year, $100 million contract extension.

Smith is certainly on his way to cementing himself as the Ravens' next great franchise linebacker and he has all the time he needs to prove he is. But it starts with the 2023 season, which has championship aspirations brewing in Baltimore.

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