An unnamed ACC coach touted Baltimore Ravens rookie, Trenton Simpson, a sleeper pick. The inside linebacker was a confusing pick to some fans, but many pundits and commentators have praised the selection of the third-round rookie in the 2023 NFL Draft. Accordingly, since his selection, Simpson has drawn a lot of hype in Baltimore.
Via ESPN, the unnamed ACC coach said that they were surprised that Simpson made it as far as pick 86. The coach noted that the versatile linebacker is “strong, athletic” and “thought he could run”. They also added that Simpson “seemed very instinctive”.
At the college level, Simpson accrued 164 tackles, 22.5 tackles-for-loss and three forced fumbles. His high college production was testament to his NFL-ready athleticism. He was, however, overshadowed by Clemson teammates Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee. Both defensive linemen went in the first round.
Coaches also sang the praises of Zay Flowers, the Ravens’ first-round selection. One particular ACC coach said that “he’s got great speed” that meant “he ran by some pretty good corners in this league”. The coach did, however, note that “he had some questionable hands at times”. With rookie minicamp underway in Baltimore, Flowers will be given a chance to flash his dynamism and improve his catching with NFL coaches. He is projected to be the third receiver, behind Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman.
Flowers and Simpson were the headliners in a solid 2023 class for the Ravens. Nevertheless, the rest of the class consisted of solid talent, including Tavius Robinson, Kyu Blu Kelly, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and Andrew Vorhees.
The #NFLDraft is now over and the Baltimore #Ravens did a solid job. Here is my review of their haul, as well as a pick-by-pick thread with draft profiles courtesy of @LastWordOnNFL.
Ravens draft review: https://t.co/oc1DLI5Sqd pic.twitter.com/0nfRzTnyRG
— Curtis Leung (@CurtisLeung6) April 30, 2023
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.
.@TrentonSimpson_ plays like a Raven❗️
Tune into the NFL Draft April 28-29 on ESPN, NFL Network and ABC. pic.twitter.com/kdgcivFvjB
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 29, 2023
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.
Main Photo: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
