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QB Troy Smith, Baltimore Ravens

HT: 6-0, WT: 220, Born: 7-20-1984, College: Ohio State, Drafted: Round 5

2008 Projections

Best Case

The best thing that could happen to Troy Smith would be a protracted holdout by Joe Flacco. That would give him time to prove he deserves to start at QB over Kyle Boller. Without sufficient time in camp, Flacco will not be ready to lead the team on opening day. If Smith were to win the job from Boller during training camp and preseason, he could play well enough to force the coaching staff to keep him on the field. Think about Derrick Anderson's rise on the roster in Cleveland, and you have Troy Smith's best case scenario. But, let's face it, the starting QB for the Ravens is barely worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Worst Case

Easy enough to see the worst case scenario for Smith. Flacco is in camp early, Boller plays well enough to earn the starting position, and Smith is mired at third on the depth chart for 2008. He'd be stuck hoping for two injuries in order to see the field. Heck, he might even be in active on any week the team feels that carrying three QBs into the game is a luxury.

Outlook

Smith is likely to be slotted behind Kyle Boller and Joe Flacco on the depth chart. Until those two finish their battle for who will ultimately start for the team in 2008, Smith will be the third QB for much of the season. If the team settles early on Flacco as its starter, Smith might move up to second on the depth chart late in the season.

Relevant Articles

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 14 - Smith made his NFL debut and looked decent doing so. He looked confident and aggressive on his throws, and even ran in a late score on a scramble.

Week 15 - Smith entered the game late in the fourth quarter when starter Kyle Boller suffered a mild concussion. Smith was efficient on his two drives. The first went for a game typing field goal, while the second set up a Matt Stover 44 yard attempt to win the game in overtime. Smith had an affinity for Mark Clayton, as five of his 11 attempts when to Clayton.

Week 16 - Smith started slowly and suffered from inaccuracy throughout, but still showed some signs that he might have what it takes to be an NFL quarterback. He leaned heavily on his starting wide receivers for his targets. Derrick Mason was the main beneficiary, with ten looks, including the Ravens only score of the game on a 79 yard bomb late in the fourth quarter. Smith showed decisiveness in the passing game, and didn't hesitate to pull the ball down and scramble. He had a hard time protecting the football, though, as he lost two separate fumbles.

Week 17 - Smith made the second start of his young career. He looked strong and capable while making plays with both his arm and his feet. He rushed for first downs on both a third and ten and a third and 11 situation. Smith also saw a handful of his passes deflected but luckily they were not picked off.

Smith was clobbered by LB James Harrison after a handoff but shook it off and did not miss a play in the game. Harrison was flagged for unnecessary roughness.