Former UNM wide receiver Marcus Smith might have fallen into a best-case scenario, as he was selected in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Draft.
Smith was the 106th overall pick in the draft, taken Sunday.
"I'm happy to just be picked," Smith said. "Probably just more relief than anything. I know that all the work, all the training paid off."
And the opportunity to play for the Ravens may end up being a big plus for Smith. Baltimore has been one of the most dominant defensive teams in the NFL this decade but has struggled on offense - especially in the passing game.
But the Ravens had an offensive-heavy draft, including the first-round selection of quarterback Joe Flacco out of Delaware.
Smith and Flacco were teammates in the 2008 Senior Bowl, where they worked together for a week. Smith said Flacco called him to congratulate him on being drafted, which boosted his excitement to go to Baltimore.
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"He was selected in the first round - he didn't have to give me a call," he said. "But he called me and told me he was excited. It's going to be fun. I know he's a good quarterback."
Because Baltimore is rebuilding on offense, a rookie like Smith might have a better chance to contribute with the Ravens than he would with other teams.
And his versatility could boost his chances of getting playing time right away.
Smith had an outstanding senior season as a Lobo, catching 91 passes for 1,125 yards. The 91 receptions is a school record.
He could also be used as a kick returner in Baltimore. He returned 28 kicks for 653 yards last season, and his 23.3 yard return average was the best on the team.
Smith said he is excited about the opportunity to step in and play wide receiver and special teams, but he'll do whatever the coaching staff has in mind for him.
"I don't know what they expect of me," he said. "I'll do whatever they ask. If they want me to play defense, I'll play defense. I just know if I go out and give it my all, I know I have a chance to make the final roster and contribute."
While it isn't likely Smith will steal the position of All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis, practicing against such a talented defense should benefit the former Lobo.
Smith said going up against the likes of Ed Reed and Chris McAllister in practice would make playing against other NFL defenses a little bit easier.
"It's going to help tremendously," he said. "If I can go out and compete and do well against those guys, I can do that against any defense in the league. They've got a nasty mentality. I'm not going to be afraid that any guys are going to hit me harder than guys I go against in practice."
The Ravens are coming off a 5-11 season, finishing last in the AFC North. But they are two years removed from a 13-3 season and still have one of the most elite defenses in the league.
Smith said he expects the offense to make big strides, and he's just thrilled to be a part of it.
"I'm excited. It's a brand-new coaching staff," he said.
"Everybody's going to be coming out with high expectations - division championships and making it to the Super Bowl. Now it's on us to do what the coaches expect us to do - develop into playmakers."
