The Indianapolis Colts are in the market this offseason for a pass rusher that can consistently apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks, which was an issue in 2018.
Name: Za’Darius Smith
Team: Baltimore Ravens
Position: OLB/DL
Age: 26
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 274 pounds
The Road So Far
Smith entered the league as a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens out of Kentucky. Smith has been inconsistent with his production but is coming off of a career season in which he recorded 8.5 sacks.
A pass rusher with prototypical size for a defensive end, Smith has worked as both an outside linebacker as well as all along the Ravens defensive line. He’s worked off the edge, both standing up and with a hand in the dirt, while also working inside as a three-technique.
Smith won’t be as coveted as some of the other pass rushers in free agency, but he could wind up being a top option after the franchise tags are all said and done.
Fit with the Colts
Smith is an intriguing fit with the Colts. They need a pass rusher that can get home with consistency, and Smith appears to be able to do that from his 2018 tape. He worked all along the defensive line and front seven for the Ravens, which should generate plenty of interest with Chris Ballard.
Smith wins off the line with an extremely quick first step. He’s got solid hand usage and loves win using a devastating chop move. He has solid footwork off the edge that helps set up a clear path to the quarterback. He’s able to flip his hips with ease to get upfield past his blockers.
Though he’s worked in a 3-4 alignment, Smith has the size, speed and skill set to succeed in the Colts’ one-gap attacking defensive front.
Price
Coming off of his best season as a pro, Smith won’t be cheap, but there is a chance he won’t be as expensive as some of the top options on the market. His market value could likely start at $12 million or so, but the Colts can pay just about any free agent. It simply depends on how much they value him as a player.
Conclusion
Smith is a young and versatile pass rusher that can win in several ways from different spots on the defensive line. He will be relatively expensive but is a free agent the Colts should look into heavily as he would be a strong fit in their attacking front.
