Marcus

Smith

Smith’s progression was a big story at Ravens offseason workouts last year, before he tore his ACL in preseason. This year, Smith will have a hard time lasting into September with Baltimore suddenly deep at his position.

A host of players were held out by the Ravens so consider this just precaution. The absence of Clayton and Derrick Mason gives receivers like second-year reserve Marcus Smith and free agents Jerry Porter, Kelley Washington and Tab Perry a chance for more reps, though the vets reportedly did little to differentiate themselves.

Last year’s fourth-rounder, Smith has drawn praise for his hard work but has otherwise been less than impressive. It was thought that he had a chance to take over No. 3 receiver duties, but Demetrius Williams will keep that job if healthy.

Clayton is now Baltimore’s “No. 1" receiver although that means little, especially considering his career inconsistency. He is the best bet to lead the Ravens in targets. Williams’ value gets the biggest boost, assuming GM Ozzie Newsome can’t swing a trade for Brandon Marshall or Anquan Boldin. If healthy, Williams shouldn’t struggle to hold off Marcus Smith or Yamon Figurs. Williams is a sleeper and worth a roster spot in all fantasy leagues.

That means Smith is ahead of Justin Harper, Kelley Washington, and Yamon Figurs, although the Ravens don’t go three wide often. OC Cam Cameron likes Smith’s size, but the ’08 fourth-rounder didn’t catch a pass as a rookie.

He hasn’t impressed the local scribes, but Smith is a good bet to make the club this season. The guys in front of him - Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, and Demetrius Williams - all face injury concerns, so Smith could work his way onto the field with a big training camp.

“You have to say that Marcus Smith has gotten a lot better throughout the course of the season last year,” Harbaugh said. “He made a bunch of catches in this camp. Hard work pays off. He’s done really well.” Smith has a chance to win the No. 3 receiver job this summer.

He also left a practice limping late last week. Smith was poised to take over the third receiver job while Derrick Mason was still “retired,” but has moved back down the depth chart. He’s probably not going to play much this year.

Smith lined up with Derrick Mason and Justin Harper. Williams is just nursing a sore hamstring, so Smith likely won’t be with the starters for long. The Ravens don’t exactly go three-wide very often so it’s unlikely Smith would have much value anyway.

Smith tore his ACL in the Ravens’ preseason opener. He was unable to get the inside track on the No. 4 receiving job this summer. He’s no longer worth a roster spot in deep Dynasty leagues.