Ravens Star Has Very High Praise for Second-Year Clemson Pro

Heading into his second NFL season, a talented Clemson pro got very high praise and a major vote of confidence from a star veteran teammate.

Baltimore Ravens All-Pro and Pro Bowl linebacker Roquan Smith is a big believer in former Tiger linebacker Trenton Simpson, who was selected by the Ravens in the third round (86 ^th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Simpson saw limited defensive snaps as a rookie in 2023 but made his mark as a special teams piece while playing in 15 games, and entering 2024 – after Baltimore let go of starting linebacker Patrick Queen – Simpson is in line to take over the starting job alongside Smith.

Smith, a defensive leader for the Ravens, has clearly been impressed by Simpson and is excited about the potential of playing next to him this season.

“Simp, even talking with him this offseason, even throughout last season, I know the type of respect he has for the game and for himself as well, and the way he’s been busting his tail all offseason,” Smith told reporters recently. “Talking with Scott (Ravens strength and conditioning coordinator Scott Elliott) and everyone, the guy’s busting his tail, wants to be the best, and I know his mindset.”

A former five-star prospect from North Carolina, Simpson finished his highly productive Clemson career (2020-22) with 187 tackles (22.5 for loss), 12.5 sacks, six pass breakups and three forced fumbles over 37 games.

Simpson, who was widely regarded as an excellent value pick for the Ravens as a third-round draft choice, finished his first regular season in the NFL with 13 total tackles (two for loss), one sack, a quarterback hit and one fumble recovery.

The athletic, fast Simpson showed flashes of what he’s capable of during his rookie campaign, especially in Baltimore’s regular season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when he got extended playing time with the Ravens sitting some starters after having already clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs.

In that game, Simpson posted seven tackles and two tackles for loss, as well as his first career sack, and now he’s going to be an important part of Baltimore’s defense as he’s poised to take on a bigger role.

Stepping into a starting job in place of Queen, an All-Pro a year ago, is no small task for Simpson.

But not only did Smith express confidence in Simpson entering this season – he has faith that Simpson can be the best second-year linebacker in the league.

“I’m excited. He has all the potential in the world, it’s just going to be about putting that on the field week in and week out and just trusting his ability,” Smith said. “And if he does that, I think he’ll be the best second-year linebacker in the league, in my opinion.”

–Photo courtesy of Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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