The Baltimore Ravens have long prided themselves on their defensive identity, and in 2025, a new face is emerging as a symbol of that legacy. Trenton Simpson, now recognized as the 27th most important Raven heading into the new season, is poised for a breakout campaign that could redefine the middle of Baltimore’s defense.
Drafted in 2023 as a raw but ultra-athletic linebacker out of Clemson, Simpson entered the NFL with immense potential and a hunger to prove himself. After a rookie year spent mostly on special teams and a sophomore campaign marked by rotational snaps, 2025 is set to be the year Simpson transforms from promising project into foundational piece.
What makes Simpson’s rise especially intriguing is the shifting landscape of Baltimore’s linebacker corps. With the departure of veteran leadership and a defense in transition under new defensive coordinator Zach Orr, Simpson has been handed an opportunity—and he’s making the most of it. During OTAs and minicamp, insiders have raved about his speed, improved instincts, and vocal presence. Teammates call him a “heat-seeking missile,” while coaches praise his film study and leadership.
His ranking as the 27th most important Raven this season is more than just symbolic—it’s a signal that the organization expects Simpson to become a critical difference-maker. Whether he’s blitzing off the edge, dropping into coverage, or stuffing the run, he’ll be counted on to fill the shoes left by past standouts like Patrick Queen and C.J. Mosley.
What separates Simpson is his sideline-to-sideline range and fearlessness in the trenches. At 6’2″, 235 pounds, he blends the power of a traditional MIKE linebacker with the versatility of a hybrid safety. In today’s NFL, where speed and scheme flexibility rule, Simpson is the prototype.
The Ravens’ 2025 schedule is loaded with high-powered offenses, from Joe Burrow’s Bengals to C.J. Stroud’s Texans. Baltimore will need every ounce of athleticism and aggression from its defense, and Simpson is expected to lead the charge.
While he may only be ranked 27th today, don’t be surprised if he climbs much higher as the season unfolds. If Simpson can fulfill his potential, he won’t just be one of the most important Ravens—he’ll be one of the most feared linebackers in the league. The stage is set, and Trenton Simpson is ready to write his story in Baltimore’s defensive history.