Trenton Simpson got used to seeing Partick Queen in purple last season, but a lot has changed since then.
Queen is now with the rival Steelers and Simpson has started every game for the Ravens after not playing much last year. Simpson is settling in well in Year 2, and he'll be playing opposite the guy he replaced Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Knowing Roquan Smith had a long-term contract and Queen was a pending free agent, Simpson spent a lot of time last season learning from Queen. Simpson knew if Queen left, he could be next up, and that's exactly how it played out.
"He played at a very high level last year," Simpson said. "So it was kind of like the blueprint of what they wanted out of a linebacker here anyway. I go back and watch a lot of last year's film. ... I learned so much from him, and I feel like I've took the things I've learned from him and translated it to this year."
Primarily a special teamer, Simpson played just 5% of the defensive snaps in 2023. He started this season playing around 60% of the snaps a game, but he has played at least 90% of snaps the past three weeks and has at least one tackle for loss in four of the last six games.
Among 83 qualified linebackers, Simpson is ranked 23rd, according to Pro Football Focus, and his ranking has been on the rise.
"He's done a good job, he's a hard worker like I've always stated," Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr said. "With a lot of these young guys, it's experience. He just needs experience, to get out there, get adjusted to the game speed and to put himself in better positions, and that's what he's done. He's continued to get better every week, and we're pleased where he's at right now."
Last season, Simpson played just 20 defensive snaps over the first 16 weeks and only saw action in blowouts. But when the Ravens rested their starters in Week 18 against the Steelers, Simpson got his chance, and he didn't miss.
The third-round pick had seven tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack, playing just 26 defensive snaps.
"I feel like it was one of those things where I was just contained, like I didn't get to show my full talent last year," Simpson said. "I knew I was going to be able to play, [and] I just wanted to go out there and just showcase my God-given abilities and just go play hard.
"I feel like I'm going to do the same thing this Sunday. ... I'm looking for another great performance versus the Steelers."
Getting ready to take over as the starter, Simpson spent most of the offseason at the Under Armour Performance Center with outside linebacker Tavius Robinson. Simpson and Robinson spent their rookie training camp as roommates, and Robinson has seen a shift in his good friend this season.
"He's been doing his thing. He's been balling, working hard, and [put in] a lot of work [this] offseason," Robinson said. "... I think his confidence is continuing to grow. He's just playing his role to the best of his ability. I think he's doing a great job."
As a five-star recruit in high school and a contributor right away at Clemson, Simpson hadn't spent too much time on the bench before last season. But as a rookie, he was able to take a step back, and it paid off.
"I can honestly say I've grown in every aspect," Simpson said. "Just coming out of college and then last year not playing as much, just knowing ball, like knowing what to expect.
"I just feel like I'm going to continue growing for the rest of the season, just continue to see my career grow as the years go on."
