Ravens DC Zach Orr believes 2nd-year linebacker Trenton Simpson is 'ready'

The Baltimore Ravens drafted inside linebacker Trenton Simpson in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft. The team already had two stars at the position in Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, but drafted Simpson as added insurance. Plus, the talent he displayed in college showed tantalizing potential.

When Baltimore defensive coordinator Zach Orr was asked about Simpson, he fully believed that the second-year player was ready for the spotlight. He talked about how Simpson showed a lot last season in his limited action and also gave a shoutout to the team’s entire inside linebacker group.

“I think [Trenton Simpson] is ready, along with a lot of the guys. [Executive vice president & general manager] Eric [DeCosta] and those guys have done a great job of building depth and building playmakers in that room. Trenton has done a great job in training camp, so has Malik Harrison, so has Josh Ross, so has Chris Board, so I think any of those guys … We’re confident with any of those guys in there. Obviously, Trenton, he showed a lot last year, and we’re excited about him, but that’s a talented room.”

Simpson will be stepping in for Queen, who left the Ravens for the Pittsburgh Steelers during free agency. He has many similar intangibles to Queen and put on a dominant performance in the preseason to show he’s got what it takes.