Ravens Trenton Simpson Won’t Play ‘Traditional LB Role’

The Ravens have a relatively complete roster, so there may not be much room for the rookies to break into the starting lineup right away.

The Baltimore Ravens brought home a small yet impressive rookie class, but those rookies will have to earn their snaps.

The Ravens have a relatively complete roster, so there may not be much room for the rookies to break into the starting lineup right away. Of course, there are exceptions, though. Receiver Zay Flowers, the Ravens' first-round pick, figures to be a key part of Baltimore's reloaded offense. The other rookie who may see a big role as a rookie would be linebacker Trenton Simpson, the Ravens' third-round pick.

Simpson has earned some high praise from his coaches since arriving in Baltimore. He boasts impressive athleticism, and his college performance at Clemson proves he can play at a high level. However, with the Ravens having two quality inside linebackers in Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, Simpson becoming a starter as a rookie is a tall order.

While Simpson may not be an immediate starter, he still figures to play a key role in the Ravens' defense. CBS Sports even identified him as a candidate to earn a key role with the team in his rookie season.

"Simpson is an in-space defensive weapon out of Clemson," CBS Sports writes. "He's not ready to handle old-school linebacker duties from the jump in the pros, but with Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith, the Ravens don't need Simpson to play a traditional role. 

"Simpson and his elite speed are fully accentuated when he's a movable blitzer and attacker of outside runs. The coverage could take time to round into acceptable form. Simpson will be useful before that occurs because of his explosiveness." 

Even if he doesn't start right away, Simpson should be a key part of Baltimore's future. There are many questions surrounding Queen's future with the Ravens, and having his fifth-year option declined only raised more. If Queen does leave after this season, then Simpson should make for a very natural replacement.

Many had Simpson going much earlier in the draft, so the Ravens landing him into the third round could be a steal. He'll look to cement that claim by carving a niche for himself in his rookie season.

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