Ravens' linebacker Trenton Simpson is poised for a breakout season
· Yahoo Sports
The Baltimore Ravens have spent the better part of three years waiting for Trenton Simpson to put everything together. This offseason, they may finally be seeing signs that it is happening. With Teddye Buchanan continuing his recovery from the torn ACL that ended his impressive rookie season, Simpson has received increased opportunities alongside Roquan Smith throughout offseason practices.
More importantly, he appears to be making the most of them. The praise has come from trusted voices inside and outside the organization. That alone makes Simpson one of the more intriguing Ravens to monitor as training camp approaches.
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Opportunity creates momentum for another Ravens defender
Buchanan deserves plenty of credit for how quickly he has progressed. The fourth-round pick enjoyed a strong rookie season before suffering a torn ACL in December. He finished the campaign with 93 tackles and earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors.
The reports suggest his recovery is progressing well. There is optimism that he could return sooner than originally anticipated. In the meantime, however, Simpson has benefited from the additional reps, giving the Ravens another option alongside Roquan Smith. Might the Ravens have a trio they can rely on when Buchanan is ready to go?
Roquan Smith's endorsement lands heavily
Perhaps the most encouraging development has been the praise coming from Smith himself. The Ravens' defensive leader reportedly stated this is the best version of Simpson he has seen since the young linebacker arrived in Baltimore.
That carries weight. Smith understands the demands of the position better than most. He also sees Simpson every day. As Ravens Wire suggests, continuity has played a significant role in Simpson's development. He is working within the same system, learning from the same coaches, and becoming more comfortable with the responsibilities placed on him.
Most importantly, Smith noted that Simpson is no longer making the same mistakes repeatedly. That's often the clearest sign that a young player is beginning to mature. Athletic linebackers with their physical tools don't grow on trees. Simpson checks a lot of boxes. Training camp will ultimately determine where he fits into Baltimore's plans.
Buchanan remains a major part of the Ravens' future, and Smith isn't surrendering his leadership role anytime soon. Still, one thing has become increasingly clear. When Buchanan suffered his injury, many wondered who would step forward. This spring, Simpson appears to have provided an answer.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' linebacker Trenton Simpson is poised for a breakout season