- Outstanding in OTAs: At 6-2 and 238 pounds, Simpson has been turning heads in organized team activities. His speed and ability to cover ground, whether it's running backs or tight ends, has been evident. Plus, it looks like he's bulked up during the offseason, ready to take on more physical challenges.
Simpson knows he has a lot to prove. “I’m living my dream and just to be able to be in the National Football League is something I dreamed of since I was 6 years old,” Simpson said. “My opportunity is here, and these don’t come around too often, so I just have to make the most out of it."
From the moment OTAs started, Simpson has been laser-focused. “I’m just taking it every day at a time, and then by the time we’re ready to roll for Game 1, I’ll be ready,” he added. And his performance so far suggests he’s on the right track.
Even Simpson acknowledges Queen is a tough act to follow. “You know, I wish [Patrick Queen] the best,” Simpson said. “We had a great relationship. He was a great mentor for me my rookie year. I learned so much from him, so now, I’m just taking what I learned and just making the most out of my opportunity and coming in and doing the best Trenton Simpson can do.”
Challenges Ahead:
- Big Shoes to Fill: Replacing Queen, who signed a three-year, $41 million contract with the Steelers, is no small feat. Queen led the team in tackles in 2022 and was second only to Roquan Smith last year.
- Learning Curve: Simpson still has Smith working with him on the inside. Queen struggled without Smith in the lineup, but Simpson held his own, showing promise for the upcoming season.
Simpson’s rookie year was all about growth and learning. “It’s definitely humbled me a little bit, but it was exactly what I needed because it was a year of growth,” Simpson reflected. Not being rushed into the starting lineup allowed him to develop at his own pace, learning from one of the top linebacker tandems in the NFL.
- Mentorship Matters: “That dude is a ‘dawg,”’ Simpson said of Smith. “His mentality is the same every single day, it’s the same that you see on Sundays. It’s a blessing to be beside someone like that, learn from him. Also, I’m sitting right beside him in film [sessions]. Whenever I have a question, he’s there to answer it. Off the field, the relationship has grown a lot, also. Just every single day, I’m learning something from him and matching his energy.”
Moving Forward:
- Rising Star: Simpson has shown his potential, especially as a pass rusher, much like Queen. He had 13 tackles last season, including seven in the regular-season finale against the Steelers.
- Weight Room Warrior: The Ravens hope his strong offseason in the weight room translates to the field. The key now is communication and continuing to break down film to keep up with the speed of the NFL.
Inside linebackers coach Mark DeLeone is optimistic. “Trent is doing awesome right now, every single day getting a little bit better, making progress one day at a time,” DeLeone said. “He is a young player that hasn’t played the position for very long. So, I’m just looking for every day to be better than the day before, and we’ll continue to work that progress.”
It’s time for Trenton Simpson to make a name for himself. The Ravens are counting on his development to carry over into a breakout 2024 season.
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