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Veteran wideout AJ Smith didn’t need a learning curve to be and instant impact on the Detroit Ravens’ offense. In his first season with the franchise, Smith erupted for 777 receiving yards, 34 receptions, and 9 touchdowns, numbers that powered him to the 2025 3A Wide Receiver of the Year honor and instantly positioned him as one of the league’s toughest covers. What’s made Smith so devastating is his explosiveness after the catch and his feel for leverage against every coverage look. Averaging nearly 23 yards per reception, he consistently flipped field position and turned routine plays into game-altering moments. For a Ravens attack Smith has been the perfect fit. Coaches rave about how quickly he absorbed the playbook and gave the Ravens yet another deep threat on a already explosive offence. Teammates point to his professionalism—film study habits, precise route detail, and a relentless practice tempo—as the spark behind his success .

Time and again, Smith delivered in the clutch: third-and-long digs, red-zone fades, and chunk-play posts that broke open tight games. His presence has forced defensive coordinators to shade safeties his way, opening windows for the rest of the offense.

For Detroit, the takeaway is simple: adding AJ Smith was great pickup for the Ravens. And if this is what year one in purple and black looks like, the ceiling for Smith and the Ravens offense is only getting higher.