After losing Pro Bowl inside linebacker Patrick Queen to the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, all eyes turn towards 2023 third-round pick Trenton Simpson as his likely replacement in the middle of the Baltimore Ravens defense alongside All-Pro veteran Roquan Smith.
Smith praised his potential new running mate when speaking with the media on the day before the start of training camp.
“‘Trent’ [Simpson], the guy works his tail off like no other,” Smith said. “[He’s] always trying to find ways to get better, and you can see in day-in and day-out, his approach to the game, his extra meeting time, and the guy is probably one of the most athletic people on the team, if not [the most]. [He] jumps out of the gym, [has] 4.3 [40-yard dash] speed; [he] can do everything. With more reps and him putting it all together, I think the guy really has a chance to special, and he has that hungry attitude, so I’m just excited to go to work with him, and I know we’ll be complementary to each other out on the field. I’m excited for it.”
The Ravens drafted the athletic Clemson linebacker with the No. 86 overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Simpson saw extended playing time against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the regular season finale of his rookie season. He finished the game with seven tackles and a sack.