Trenton Simpson 'Excited' to Learn From Ravens Veteran LB Room

The Ravens drafted one of the best linebacker prospects in Trenton Simpson, who is ready to show why he should have been drafted earlier.

The Baltimore Ravens have their fair share of history and prestige at the linebacker position throughout their history, with Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs widely considered two of the best to ever do it at the position. 

And while their current linebacker duo of Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith aren't Lewis-Suggs caliber yet, they are still arguably one of the NFL's best linebacker tandems. 

So while linebacker may not have been seen as a major need to some, when Clemson's Trenton Simpson was still on the board in the third round the Ravens scooped him up at No. 86 overall - giving themselves a potentially elite linebacker trio.

For Simpson, being drafted to Baltimore gives him the opportunity to play alongside Smith and Queen while learning how to play at the NFL level.

"I"m excited man, Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, I watch those guys highlights," Simpson said. "I love the way they play, they play like me. They play fast, physical football and they're hitting anything that's moving."

"That's my mindset, so I'm excited to come in the linebacker room and bring my talents. Come in there willing to learn from the vets and continue to just have a great career, and be a Raven."  

In his three seasons at Clemson, Simpson helped anchor the defense and was all over the field. He recorded 187 tackles, 22.5 for loss, 12.5 sacks, six pass breakups and three forced fumbles.

Despite his production, though, Simpson faced questions in the pre-draft process about his ability to fit in different schemes - criticisms that he is ready to prove wrong at the NFL level. 

"I can fit in any scheme," Simpson said. "I'm the most versatile linebacker in this draft and I'm forever going to believe that. In this career of Trent Simpson, y'all not gonna regret this pick." 

"I'm gonna maximize every opportunity, and Trent Simpson is going to go down as one of the greats for the Baltimore Ravens. Believe that."

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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