Roquan Smith, the Ravens’ mixed inside linebacker unit, is outstanding

The Ravens made some changes at safety midseason that paid off. Now they’re swapping out their inside linebacker staff with similar results.

Roquan Smith had his highest-graded game of the season by Pro Football Focus (PFF) on Sunday against the New York Giants, posting a grade of 87.0.

While he only had five tackles, Smith posted high marks in pass coverage, where he was targeted twice and had no catches on a pass breakup. After the game, Smith said he was feeling “really, really good” after a “fantastic” bye week, and it shows.

Part of his improvement could also be due to changes made alongside him. Since the Week 12 game in Los Angeles, which Smith missed with a hamstring injury, the Ravens have used Malik Harrison and Chris Board more frequently.

Harrison played a season-high 79% of defensive snaps on Sunday against the Giants and led the team with eight tackles, including a sack. Board continued to play about 50% of the defensive snaps.

Sophomore inside linebacker Trenton Simpson didn’t start for the first time this season and didn’t see any defensive action until the end of the fourth quarter, when he played five snaps. His snaps have declined sharply since the Week 11 loss at Pittsburgh.

“I have great respect for ‘CB’ (board). “He’s been a great (special) team player his entire career, and when he’s asked to play linebacker, he plays linebacker pretty well,” Smith said. “Malik, I love the physicality of this guy. The guy will rip your face mask off; that’s pretty crazy. But I just enjoy being out there with these guys – veterans. I have a lot of respect for them and when they see things, you don’t let the same thing beat you twice, so it’s just great to be out there with these guys.

“I have a lot of respect for them and they will continue to get better, as will Trenton. I have great respect for him and for what he is as a person and player. It’s him. “I’m a young player who’s doing everything right and has a bright future in this league.

Here are more insights from the Ravens’ PFF grades and snap counts: