OPINION: Talented linebacker Za’Darius Smith to Steelers?

As I’m thinking about the Baltimore Ravens 2016 upcoming season, talented second year linebacker Za’Darius Smith comes to mind.

But that’s when Pittsburgh Steelers second year linebacker Bud Dupree, also came to mind.

Ravens linebacker Za’Darius Smith and Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree may always have an NFL connection due to having so many similarities. Both Smith and DuPree were teammates at the University of Kentucky, where they were both drafted in 2015 by AFC North division rival teams.

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Smith and DuPree will play against each other twice a year for teams that are in the AFC North. What couldn’t be worse? They are good friends and their teams are involved in arguably the best and most physical rilvary in the NFL.

The statistical similarities between the Ravens and Steelers mirror Smith and DuPree as well.

Smith is listed at 6’4″ in height, weighing 275 pounds with DuPree standing 6’4″ and weighing 269 pounds. Both had similar rookie seasons statically in 2015 as well. In 2015 and playing in 15 games, Smith had 30 tackles with 20 solo (5.5 sacks/1 pass defended). In 16 games, DuPree had 26 tackles with 17 solo (4 sacks/1 pass defended).

Picking Za’Darius Smith, Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees and linebacker coach Don Martindale are probably smiling at night knowing that they have such a talented linebacker on defense.

A great decision was made by the Baltimore Ravens by picking Za’Darius Smith in 2015. In 2016, Ravens Nation will have plenty more to cheer about, because of that great decision.

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