'High Expectations!' Ravens Name John Simpson Starting Left Guard

Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman John Simpson played his first three seasons for the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Baltimore Ravens have found their answer at left guard. 

After Baltimore's 26-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium, head coach John Harbaugh named John Simpson as the team's starting left guard. Simpson beat out rookie Sala Aumavae-Laulu to earn the starting gig. 

"John's going to be the starter," Harbaugh said. He's earned that. John deserves it. He's had a great camp. A vet, and physical. I love the way he played."

Simpson began his career with the Las Vegas Raiders, who took him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson. The fourth-year pro has appeared in 35 games, 21 of which he started, including all 17 in 2021, the last time they made the playoffs. 

The Raiders released Simpson on Dec. 9. Ten days later, Baltimore signed him to its practice squad. 

Simpson will start alongside left tackle Ronnie Stanley, center Tyler Linderbaum, right guard Kevin Zeitler and right tackle Morgan Moses. The former fourth-round pick is the only new starter on Baltimore's offensive line which anchored the second-best rushing attack in the 2022 regular season . 

"I have high hopes for the offensive line, high expectations," Harbaugh said. "They're going to drive us. They're going to be our rock, and I expect them to play at the highest level."

For all of the new faces on Baltimore's offense with receivers Odell Beckham Jr., rookie Zay Flowers and offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the offensive line in tact from last season outside of adding Simpson. If the Ravens' offense is going to live up to lofty expectations, they'll need Simpson to fit right in on the offensive line. 

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