The Baltimore Ravens might have the NFL’s best defense in 2025. The only problem is, if they don’t make it to the Super Bowl, nobody is going to care.
Part of that talented defense is third year inside linebacker and 2023 third round pick Trenton Simpson, who fell flat in his first season as a full time starter in 2024 but is getting another chance to prove himself in 2025.
ESPN’s Ben Solak thinks Simpson’s play in a “prove it” year could be the X-factor for the Ravens.
“With another offseason to catch up on the mental aspects of the game, the Ravens are giving Simpson the reins once again,” Solak wrote on August 28. “Chris Board and Malik Harrison left in free agency, leaving Simpson unimpeded as the starter next to Smith. Baltimore had the best defense in the league down the back half of last season, when Simpson was largely shelved. So expect opposing offenses to immediately try to attack him in space and force him to find the ball quickly. He needs to rise to the call in a big way for the Ravens to retain their form.”
Simpson, 6-foot-2 and 238 pound, played all 17 games in 2024 with 13 starts and finished with 73 tackles, 5 TFL, 1.5 sacks and 4 pass deflections.
In 3 other “dynamic stat” categories — interceptions, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries — Simpson came up with a big, fat zero.
One Of Worst Graded ILBs In Entire NFL
According to Pro Football Focus, Simpson was one of the worst players at his position in the entire NFL in 2024.
Simpson’s overall grade from PFF came in at 58.7 — 124th out of 189 eligible inside linebackers. He was equally below average in pass rush (60.6), pass coverage (55.3) and run defense (63.2).
Simpson was an All-ACC pick at Clemson in 2022 and solidified his draft stock after he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds at the NFL scouting combine. He has 2 seasons left on his 4-year, $5.4 million contract.
“Chiseled weakside linebacker with rare speed for the position to run down the action in all directions,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in 2023. ” … He needs to cut back the arm tackles and pursue with better angles to the ball. He’s a premium athlete capable of squeezing routes from zone and attacking the pocket as a blitzer. Simpson isn’t quite game-ready yet, but players with his traits and range eventually find the field.”
Ravens Have Benefit Of Having NFL All-Pro Smith
The reason Simpson’s play would be looked at as such a bonus is largely based on how good the Ravens are at the other inside linebacker spot with 5-time NFL All-Pro Roquan Smith.
Smith is, simply put, just that dude. If Simpson plays great, it’s like someone coming over to your blueberry pancakes right before you take the first bite and adding some whip cream on top. It makes the meal better. But if that whip cream never shows up? Well, you’re still eating blueberry pancakes. Which is incredible on its own.
Smith was ranked as the NFL’s No. 2 inside linebacker in ESPN’s preseason position rankings as voted on by NFL executives, coaches and scouts.
“(Smith) is the type of player whom opponents — and even fans inside the stadium or through the TV — perceive as a true tone-setter, with blitz ability, leverage and mental edge,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote.
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