Key Takeaways:
– The Baltimore Ravens’ new breakout candidate is rookie Trenton Simpson, replacing Patrick Queen.
– Despite limited rookie season exposure, Simpson showed potential with effective game grades.
– There is high praise and confidence in Simpson from veteran players like Queen and Roquan Smith.
– Fast linebacker Simpson is now primed for a significant role in the Ravens’ defense line-up.
The Baltimore Ravens’ defensive line-up has been significantly impacted with Patrick Queen’s departure in NFL free agency this year. However, his supposed replacement, Trenton Simpson, is shaping up to be the team’s top breakout candidate. This estimation comes from Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus, who believes the team’s robust defense can be retained with Simpson stepping up to the task.
Recreating the Queen-Smith Duo
Reproducing Queen’s formidable partnership with inside linebacker Roquan Smith requires Simpson’s range and athleticism to shine this season. This will affirm the Ravens’ decision to use the 2023 third-round draft pick to fortify a position that was already a strength, potentially presenting another masterstroke by Ravens’ General Manager Eric DeCosta.
Simpson’s Play Profile
Simpson’s speedy playing style is reminiscent of fellow ex-Clemson star and Ravens draftee, Nate Wiggins. Both players are noted for their exceptional speed, with Wiggins noted for his 4.28 seconds 40-yard dash time at the Scouting Combine and Simpson clocking 4.43 seconds in 2023, according to The Baltimore Banner.
Simpson’s significant speed for a linebacker indicates that he can be extraordinarily valuable, particularly in coverage. His swift speed and quickness downhill make him a tactical asset on the blitz, as demonstrated by his first-ever professional sack against the Steelers in Week 18.
Patrick Queen’s Endorsement
Queen’s confidence in Simpson’s ability to carry the torch forward is a promising sign. The veteran player expressed great admiration for Simpson’s performance against the Steelers, even predicting that Simpson will flourish in the league with time.
Smith echoes the same sentiment as Queen, naming Simpson likely to become “the best second-year LB in the NFL.” Such high praise for a 22-year old with less than a half-century of regular-season snaps is indeed remarkable.
Managing Simpson’s Role
Replicating Queen’s versatile role won’t be a walk in the park for Simpson, who will need to juggle playing against the run, being aggressive on the blitz, and undertaking complex coverage assignments. This diversity was critical to the Ravens’ defensive strategy.
Hence, Zach Orr, the Ravens’ new defensive coordinator, will need to create an environment for Simpson’s talent to flourish. By keeping blockers off him, Simpson could capitalize on his sideline-to-sideline range to disrupt offenses and rise to the breakout label’s expectations.
In closing, despite Queen’s departure, the Baltimore Ravens’ defense is set to receive a new heartbeat from Trenton Simpson. As he steps up to his larger role, Simpson is expected to make significant strides on the field and carry forward the Ravens’ strong defensive legacy.