Eric DeCosta has high praise for 2nd-year linebacker Trenton Simpson

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh met with the media ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.

After losing inside linebacker Patrick Queen to the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, all eyes have turned to 2023 third-round pick Trenton Simpson as the most likely replacement this season. DeCosta spoke about Simpson and whether or not the team could add more depth at inside linebacker via the upcoming draft.

“I think Trenton [Simpson] is going to have a great season,” DeCosta said. “He has a great attitude. I think he grew as much as anybody this year. It’s tough for young players. He showed up on special teams. When he played on defense, he made some plays late in the year. [He] has a lot of talent. He’s as talented as any inside linebacker in this year’s Draft class, for sure, so I’m excited about him. I think we’ve got some other young players that can emerge, as well, that we’re excited about at that position. [In] the Draft, we’ve looked at some guys. [There is] definitely some talent in this year’s Draft class. I think it’s a pretty good [class]. There are no Top 10 inside linebackers in this Draft class, but there is a lot of depth in the second, third and fourth rounds. So, [it’s] certainly a position we’ll look at, particularly if they can play on special teams and help us that way, too, which is a really important part of the inside linebacker position, evaluation-wise, but we like our young guys that we have. [We’re] excited about those guys, and we’ll see how the whole thing kind of plays out.”

Simpson saw extended action in the regular season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, flashing his potential with seven total tackles and one sack. Going into his second season, Simpson will have the chance to earn a starting role alongside Roquan Smith in the middle of the defense.