Baltimore Ravens Rookie Named ‘Sleeper’ Pick by College Coach

Trenton Simpson Named ‘Sleeper’ Pick by ACC Coach

It is, perhaps, no surprise that coaches were infatuated with Simpson. LWOS’ Mason Smoller explained just how talented Simpson is in his draft report:

“In a traditional linebacker class without a surefire first-round prospect, Trenton Simpson is among the few with outright star potential. […] His range allows him to make an impact in coverage, and he has the size to contest tight ends. Combined with his blitzing ability, defensive coordinators will have a field day moving him around the field. In the right defensive scheme and coaching to develop him, Trenton Simpson can become a true star linebacker in the modern-day NFL.”

Smoller’s praise of Simpson is encapsulated by the fact that he listed Simpson as a second-round talent. Therefore, the Ravens grabbing him in the latter portions of the third round is a certified steal.

2023 ‘Sleeper’ to 2024 Starter?

Simpson’s role in Baltimore is to be decided. However, in 2023, it is likely that he will be used as a package player. This is because the team have Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen listed as their starting inside linebackers. Smith, the All-Pro leader of the defense, is slated to carry the green dot this season. His arrival elevated in 2022 elevated the Baltimore defense to new heights. It resulted in his extension, which keeps the dominant linebacker in Baltimore for the foreseeable future.

Queen, on the other hand, is an inconsistent player. Any semblance of a long-term future with Baltimore was diminished after the team declined his fifth-year option. It therefore means that he will likely be a free agent in the 2024 off-season.

Given the presence of Smith and Queen, Simpson is the team’s third inside linebacker. That means he will not start. However, if the Ravens manage to trade Queen before the trade deadline, the rookie linebacker will be thrust into a starting role. Given how rocky Queen’s rookie year was, this may not be a good idea.

The likelier scenario is that the team finds a way of using Simpson as a versatile depth piece. He shows excellent skills in coverage and is effective as a blitzing linebacker. Given the Ravens’ lack of depth at outside linebacker, he could certainly find some reps there.