Torrey Smith did just about everything the Ravens could have expected out of him last season.
He had more catches, receiving yards and touchdowns than any rookie in team history. He led the Ravens with seven receiving touchdowns and came up with big plays in some of the most critical moments of the season.
Still, he wasn't satisfied.
"Instead of really concentrating on what I did, I [am] more focused on what I left out on the field," Smith said after Monday's practice. "To me it could have been a lot better. I have high standards for myself.
As Smith prepares for what he can do as an encore this year, he said that the key is to have more consistency.
"I can do everything, it's just a matter of everything right all the time," Smith said. "That's how you become a great player and that's what I'm working toward."
To get to that point, Smith has put in the work this offseason. He was one of the most consistent faces in the team's facility throughout the offseason and Head Coach John Harbaugh has been impressed with how Smith approaches his craft.
"This is a guy that comes to work every single day and all he thinks about is how he can get better," Harbaugh said. "He gets the most out of every day and I think that's why he's going to continue to become a great player."
The work ethic is already paying dividends.
The second-year receiver is off to an impressive start at training camp, showing noticeable improvement in his route running and hands.
The development is striking compared to this time last year, where Smith struggled with drops and understanding the offense. Last year's struggles continued into the preseason, as Smith had two drops in one game against the Washington Redskins. He also had up-and-down moments during the season, like in Week 9 against Pittsburgh when he dropped a game-winning touchdown pass, but came back to catch the game winner.
Fast forward one season, and Smith's entire demeanor has changed.
"I'm a lot more confident," he said. "This time last year I could barely walk and chew gum at the same time. I was thinking so much about the assignments and really worrying about things that I shouldn't have been worrying about.
"For me coming in this year, I understand the offense. I'm just trying to develop as a player. It's definitely a lot less stressful."
Smith has been working along with veteran Anquan Boldin as the top two receivers. Boldin has spent most of his time playing the slot, with Smith on the outside.
Known for his speed and ability to take the top off the defense, Smith has also committed to improving his short and intermediate route running. By adding those underneath routes to his game, Smith could build upon last year's 841 receiving yards and reach his goal of topping 1,000 yards this season.
The key to making that happen, he emphasized, is the consistency.
"I know as long as I can be consistent I can do that," Smith said. "I can reach those goals and that's what I'm working toward."
