Ravens still have glaring hole despite third-round steal

Trenton Simpson Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens land third-round steal, but still have glaring hole

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 4/29/23

The Baltimore Ravens may have found themselves a mid-round steal, but instead of going best player available, should they have addressed their biggest position of need?

With pick No. 86 in the 2023 NFL Draft, Baltimore selected Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson. Simpson, who ranks as Pro Football Focus's No. 71 overall prospect and the fourth-best linebacker in this year's draft, slid further than most expected. From 2020-22 with the Tigers, he logged 166 tackles, 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

"Simpson is the kind of rangy, fluid athlete everyone is looking for at linebacker," PFF noted in their scouting report.

The 21-year-old joins an already talented positional depth chart that includes the likes of Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen.

"I'm excited to come in the linebacker room, bring my talents, and come in there willing to learn from the vets," Simpson told reporters.

“I’m excited to come in the linebacker room, bring my talents, and come in there willing to learn from the vets.” @TrentonSimpson_ pic.twitter.com/3Q0Y0EpLb3
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 29, 2023

The pick was at least a little surprising, though, as the Ravens still face a big question mark -- just who will play cornerback across from Marlon Humphrey in the secondary. There remained talented options at the position available at the time Baltimore selected Simpson.

Baltimore only has three picks (Nos. 124, 157 and 199) remaining in the draft. If they can't find a corner they like enough on the Day 3 board -- and after Day 2, actually landing on prospects who will have an impact in the NFL is rather difficult -- they will have to review what's left in free agency.

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