When rookie inside linebacker Arthur Brown was drafted in the second round, the comparisons to Ray Lewis began immediately.
But before Wednesday's practice, Head Coach John Harbaugh told Brown he reminded him of a different Ravens player – wide receiver Torrey Smith.
"He reminds me of Torrey Smith in a lot of ways," said Harbaugh, who added that Brown has done a really good job.
"He comes to work every single day with one thing in mind – that is to improve. He doesn't let his energy be misdirected in any way. It is focused on getting better as a football player and being the best he can be. Because of that, he's going to be an excellent football player. He's on his way."
Lewis came into the league as an immediate starter. Smith basically did the same. Brown hasn't had the same immediate impact on defense, however.
Free-agent addition Daryl Smith has been an every-down linebacker and Josh Bynes and Jameel McClain have been ahead of Brown at weak-side linebacker. Brown has been used exclusively as a nickel linebacker covering or blitzing in passing situations.
That means Browns' snaps are almost entirely dictated by how much the opponent throws the ball. Thus, he only had 14 snaps against the run-happy Bears.
It's required some patience from the Kansas State standout.
"We all have a role to play. It's something I've been saying consistently throughout my time. I have to value my role and make the most of it," Brown said.
"It's a stepping stone. It allows me to narrow my focus and lets me develop those skills to help me as an overall player."
The limited snaps aren't an indictment of Brown's talent or progress.
When he's seen action, Brown has fared well. According to Pro Football Focus, he's got an overall positive grade of 0.2. He's been targeted by just 10 passes and allowed five completions for 44 yards. He's got five quarterback hurries, 10 tackles and a half sack.
Brown's work ethic is what will take him to the next level.
Brown arrives at the Under Armour Performance Center between 6:30 and 7 a.m. and puts in a 12-hour day. He's often the last player out of the building, and had to impose a deadline for himself to get out by 7 p.m.
"I know if I don't, I'll be here watching film forever," Brown said. "I've always been that way, even in college. Maybe it's because I move slow and take my time."
When some players are leaving, Brown's evening is just beginning. He reviews that day's practice on his iPad while getting treatment, then goes in the meeting room often by himself to watch film and view the opponent's scheme. He goes home, eats dinner and then studies the opponent's personnel.
"He's always here," Bynes said. "Next year, you're definitely going to see a big difference [with him]."
The Ravens have long viewed Brown as a four-down linebacker. And he could be in line for that beginning next year. For now, though, Brown is focusing on the job in front of him.
"It's just steady progress," Brown said. "I'm building. I'm better than I was when I started. It's just a matter of time."
