Steve Smith says weak wide receivers put focus on top players

Former wide receiver Steve Smith believes that a weaker class of pass-catchers puts the focus on the top players in that position.

Smith retired after 16 years in the NFL, having made five Pro Bowls throughout his career.

As part of the NFL UK tour, Smith talked about the upcoming NFL Draft, and the pressure on his old position.

"It hurts my heart because there are so many defensive guys! But it's exciting because it puts a real spotlight on the wide receivers. I don't think the top wide receivers are going to go as quickly as people think.

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"The offensive line and wide receiver classes are probably the weakest compared to the defensive line, cornerbacks and safeties, who are remarkable."

Having been selected in the third round of the 2001 Draft, Smith could sympathise with those forced to wait until the later rounds.

"Players are trying to figure out where they're going to land, which team they are going to go to," he added. "It's a waiting game.

"It's a challenging night, but it's an exciting night too. It goes very quickly though, because they are off to work, meeting the teams and getting ready to understand the philosophy.

"It's hard because each guy does something differently and they all experience it differently, so (you have to) just enjoy the experience."

Smith also reflected on what his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, needed to focus on.

"The Ravens obviously now need a wide receiver, some offensive line help, as well as cornerback help.

"There's a lot of areas they can go and I think they'll take the best available players. Ossie (Newsome) has always done a great job and the players that they've lost, they'll hire within and it's next man up."

Baltimore finished last year 8-8, missing out on the Play-offs after a week 16 loss to division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. In his Mock Draft, Sky Sports NFL expert Neil Reynolds has the Ravens drafting Mike Williams as Smith's replacement.

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