Ravens Defender Expected to Regain Starting Spot

"I expect him to be the starting early-down WILL [linebacker]," Harbaugh said. "We do a lot on passing downs with dime [packages] and different kind of personnel groups in the field. He can continue to grow into that, but I think he's going to take a big step this year."

Even though Simpson's sophomore season fell short of expectations due to a lack of consistency, it wasn't without it's highlights and flashes of playmaking ability. He still finished third on the team in total tackles (73), first in tackles for loss among linebackers (five) and also recorded career highs with four pass breakups, 1.5 sacks and six quarterback hits.

Queen was given a longer leash to grow in a trial by-fire during his first couple of seasons in the league because the only contingency plan the Ravens had was paring him with long-time special teams ace Josh Bynes who was brought back for a third stint in his age 32 and 33 seasons in 2021 and part of 2022.

Harbaugh recalled how Queen didn't start truly finding his stride and turning into the playmaker they envisioned he'd be until his third. Even before the Ravens' midseason trade acquisition of Smith from the Chicago Bears that year, he was trending towards breaking out and once they joined forces, he was able to shine his brightest in a less taxing role where he could fly around from sideline to sideline.

The Ravens expect Simpson to follow a similar career arc to Queen heading into a pivotal third season and according to Harbaugh, he is already "working hard" to ensure it comes to fruition.

"He's already in the building every single day, he's watching film on his own, he's in phenomenal shape," Harbaugh said. "I'm sure he could play a game right now. So, he cares, and that's where it starts."

Overall, Harbaugh said the team feels "great" about their linebacker depth chart as it currently stands but admitted he still thinks they "need some guys" because they "lost a bunch of guys." In addition to Harrison and Board, the Ravens recently lost five-year veteran Kristian Welch who signed with the Green Bay Packers this past Friday.

"We've got to replace those guys," Harbaugh said. "I think we've got some good young guys coming up. William Kwenkeu, nobody knows about him, but he played two games last year. I'm kind of excited [about] him as a special teams guy and a growing."