Trenton Simpson shined in preseason debut as Ravens starting linebacker

Trenton Simpson played 46 defensive snaps as a rookie but nearly matched that output in one preseason contest against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night at M&T Bank Stadium.

With Roquan Smith resting, the former Clemson star linebacker had the bright lights to himself, shining to the tune of a team-high nine tackles in the first half and 60 defensive snaps overall.

“The more you see at this position, the more you learn,” Simpson said. “The faster you can play.”

Simpson finished with 11 tackles on the night and brought an aura and physicality to the Ravens’ defense that should complement Roquan Smith’s attacking style of play.