Ravens' draft pick failing to live up to the hype has created a huge offseason battle

The Baltimore Ravens may still have one of the best defenses in the league, led by All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, but there is a serious question mark in this unit after a 2023 draftee didn't hold up his end of the bargain.

The Ravens drafted Trenton Simpson in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the goal of him eventually taking over for Patrick Queen. While Simpson came to town with plenty of hype, he didn't take the step forward that many expected. That stagnation has resulted in some new names coming in to fight with him.

Bleacher Report named linebacker as the biggest position battle to watch in the Ravens' OTAs, citing the notion that Simpson giving up a gnarly passer rating of 121.4 when targeted has opened up a hole that impressive young players could use to possibly take over as a starter next to Smith.

Simpson's biggest competition for this spot is Teddye Buchanan, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While Simpson should still be considered the favorite, his grip on his starting job might be as loose and tenuous as any other projected starter on this Baltimore roster.

Ravens LB2 spot viewed as competition after poor 2024 from Trenton Simpson

Simpson still has tremendous athletic ability, and he is only entering his second full season as a starter, but there are some holes in his game when it comes to both covering tight ends and making plays in the open field. Simply put, 2024 was up-and-down for Simpson.

Buchanan's 9.42 RAS and solid coverage skills in the middle of a strong Cal defense might be enough for the Ravens to overlook concerns about his physicality against the run. Next to a vacuum cleaner like Smith, the Ravens don't need Ray Lewis reincarnated.

Baltimore picked up two of the best undrafted free agents, irrespective of position, when they signed Iowa's Jay Higgins and Memphis' Chandler Martin to compete with Simpson and Buchanan. Even with their UDFA status, both of them have the talent needed to make Simpson sweat.

The Ravens have a force multiplier like Smith that can make up for subpar play next to him in the same way that lockdown cornerbacks can make it less painful to have a substandard CB2 next to them, but more advanced playoff offenses like Buffalo and Kansas City could give Baltimore headaches if Simpson doesn't improve.