Buffaloes in the NFL: Jimmy Smith out for season

Baltimore Ravens starting cornerback Jimmy Smith is reportedly out for the season after tearing his Achilles tendon on Sunday. On top of that, on Monday morning, Smith was suspended four games for violated the league’s PED policy.

Smith is in his seventh season with the Ravens after being drafted 24th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was in the midst of his best ever season. Before his injury and suspension, he was considered to be a virtual lock to make the Pro Bowl.

A physical cornerback at 6’2, 210-lbs., Smith was leading the league in passer rating allowed, according to Pro Football Focus. He also tied his career with 3 interceptions and scored two defensive touchdowns. It was his consistent play that had Baltimore’s secondary rated among the best in the NFL and they absolutely needed him for their playoff push. Now with a length recovery, we may not see Smith for a long time, perhaps not until late in the 2018 season.

Smith had an exceptionally proud career at Colorado that saw him rise from special teams hero to one of the elite corners in the nation. His development paved the way for Colorado to become a defensive back factory. There are now four former Buffs starting cornerbacks in Smith, Ken Crawley, Chidobe Awuzie and Ahkello Witherspoon, and Isaiah Oliver is likely to join them as he is a projected first round pick.

We wish Smith the best in his recovery and we hope to see him on field to continue his career better than ever.