The Baltimore Ravens are going to give sophomore linebacker Trenton Simpson every opportunity to earn a starting gig this year. Simpson projects as an athletic difference-maker in Baltimore's new-look front seven. He should enjoy a breakout season in 2024.
The No. 87 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Simpson was mostly relegated to backup duties throughout his rookie season. The Ravens had one of the best linebacker duos in the league last year in Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen. Together, they were the heartbeat of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald's unit. Simpson played the third-most special teams snaps (258) on the team as a result.
Simpson didn't make his debut on defense until a Week 4 showdown versus the Cleveland Browns when he earned six snaps. He totaled 46 defensive plays all season long, according to Pro Football Reference. Simpson remained in a reserve role until playing a season-high 26 snaps versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale that Smith sat for.
Simpson was credited with making seven tackles, one sack, and three defensive stops in that game. Pro Football Focus assigned him a 78.0 grade in coverage and an overall defensive score of 80.3. It was an impressive showing for Simpson, who still shared snaps with Jeremiah Moon and Del'Shawn Phillips.
Trenton Simpson in his start vs. the Steelers in week 18:
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) March 13, 2024
80.4 PFF grade
1 sack
2 receptions allowed, 1 yard
2 tackles for loss / no gain
Next man up? 📈 pic.twitter.com/kHpOlXLGgv
Major changes were made to Baltimore's linebacker room this offseason. Queen signed a three-year contract worth $41 million with the arch-rival Steelers during unrestricted free agency. Queen was Macdonald's most-snapped defender last season with 1,121 snaps (96.89% of all Ravens defensive plays).
Together, Queen and Smith combined for 2,188 snaps throughout 2023. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta likely knew he couldn't afford to re-sign Queen to the lucrative contract he desired. Simpson was drafted as an eventual solution to that problem. Even Moon and Phillips are no longer in Baltimore.
Changes have also been made to John Harbaugh's coaching staff. Macdonald became the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. The new defensive coordinator is Zach Orr, who was promoted from inside linebackers coach. Orr was Simpson's position coach, which should help Simpson make a swift transition.
Simpson shouldn't face much competition for the right to start opposite Smith. DeCosta didn't use any of his nine selections in the 2024 NFL Draft on an off-ball linebacker, though seventh-round safety Sanoussi Kane can play the position a little. The Ravens did sign Chris Board to a one-year, $1.29 million contract in free agency, reuniting with him after he played in Baltimore from 2018 to 2021.
Roquan Smith’s nickname for Trenton Simpson is “Simp.”
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) April 17, 2024
He also thinks he can be the best second-year LB in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/kY9ap8iLcc
The other inside linebackers on the roster include undrafted free agents Yvandy Rigby and Deion Jennings, and third-year practice squad mainstay Josh Ross. Core special teamer Malik Harrison is still with the team. None of these options pose a threat to Simpson.
An opportunity to start next to Smith, arguably the best off-ball linebacker in the league, looms large. Simpson possesses a clear pathway to relevance as Queen's replacement in Orr's defense this season. A breakout campaign should arrive for Simpson in 2024.
