Steve Smith
Old Team: Carolina Panthers
New Team: Baltimore Ravens
Despite whispers of Carolina-lifer Steve Smith moving on from the Panthers, few actually believed it would happen. Another veteran with blazing speed who has missed more than 2 games only once (2004) during his 14-year career, Smith might be the most underrated WR heading into 2014.
It is no secret Joey Flacco likes to hum it downfield (sorry Broncos fans…):
After two shockingly big years in 2011 and 2012, the veteran WR took a huge step back in 2013 with his second-lowest targets (109) since 2004 and a near career-low 11.6 yards per catch.
He won’t be the No. 1 in Baltimore but will slot in at No. 2 ahead of sudden household name Marlon Brown and see plenty of targets in an intriguing system, assuming Dennis Pitta stays healthy and Ray Rice does something to atone for a miserable 2013. The glaring x-factor for Smith remains his ability to go deep, as last year’s YPC prompted serious doubt but if he can find a seam, Flacco might have found a new weapon.
Current positional projections have him in the 40-50 range with a 10th-12th round grade. Do not bank on Smith as a No. 2 for your fantasy squad but a late-round No. 3 or flex gamble is worth every penny, hoping he puts together his 7th 1,000-yard season.
Photo Courtesy: Patrick Semansky/AP
