Why the Ravens Former Clemson Standout Could Reveal Their Plan at Linebacker in 2026

The Baltimore Ravens have no shortage of star power on defense, beginning with veteran linebacker Roquan Smith in the middle of the unit. Smith remains the tone-setter, communicator, and most established player in a linebacker room that will be tested throughout the 2026 season. Yet while Smith will receive most of the attention, Trenton Simpson may be one of the more important players to watch as Baltimore attempts to maintain its standard on defense. Simpson’s role could reveal a great deal about how much confidence the Ravens have in their young linebacker depth and how versatile they can become over the course of the year.

Simpson has spent time developing behind experienced players, but 2026 presents an opportunity for him to become more than a player known primarily for potential. The Ravens need dependable production next to Smith, especially in a league where inside linebackers are asked to do far more than simply attack the line of scrimmage. They must diagnose run plays, handle pre-snap motion, cover running backs and tight ends, and remain disciplined when offenses try to create confusion with play-action or misdirection. Simpson has the athletic tools to make an impact in those areas, but the key will be turning those flashes into consistency when the regular season begins.

That is where playing alongside Smith can become especially valuable. Smith has long been one of the league’s most instinctive and physical linebackers, and his ability to communicate responsibilities can help simplify the game for the players around him. Simpson does not need to become Smith overnight, nor should Baltimore expect him to carry the entire middle of the defense by himself. However, he needs to show that he can play fast, trust what he sees, and avoid the mental mistakes that often keep young defenders from earning a larger role.

The Ravens will also be looking for Simpson to become a steadier presence against the run. Baltimore’s defense has traditionally taken pride in physical football, and the inside linebacker position plays a major role in making that identity work. Simpson must prove he can consistently fill the proper gap, get off blocks, and finish tackles when he arrives at the football. A missed fit or missed tackle can quickly turn a manageable gain into a drive-changing play, especially against teams that are committed to establishing the run early.

Coverage could be the area that determines just how large Simpson’s role becomes. NFL offenses routinely force linebackers into difficult decisions by spreading the field, using motion, and creating mismatches with athletic tight ends or pass-catching running backs. If Simpson can hold up in those situations, the Ravens will have more freedom to keep their preferred personnel on the field rather than constantly substituting for matchup reasons. That flexibility could be important for a defense that wants to stay aggressive while also avoiding the predictable looks that opposing quarterbacks can exploit.

Baltimore’s linebacker depth adds another layer to the story. Teddye Buchanan and Jay Higgins IV give the Ravens younger options behind Smith and Simpson, and their presence should create legitimate competition throughout the season. The Ravens cannot approach the position as though only two players will be needed over a 17-game schedule, particularly with injuries, special-teams responsibilities, and matchup-specific packages always capable of changing the plan. Simpson’s development therefore matters not only because of what he can do individually, but because a reliable role for him would make the entire linebacker group more stable.

The early portion of Baltimore’s schedule gives Simpson and the Ravens an opportunity to establish that stability. The team opens on the road against the Indianapolis Colts before facing the New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, and Cleveland Browns in five of its next six games. None of those opponents should be dismissed, but the Ravens should view that stretch as a collection of winnable matchups and a chance to build momentum before the schedule becomes more demanding later in the season. For a young linebacker looking to earn greater trust, those games offer a valuable window to settle into a consistent role rather than immediately facing a season defined by pressure and urgency.

A strong start would benefit Simpson in several ways. It would allow him to gain confidence in the defensive system, build chemistry with Smith, and prove he can make the routine plays that coaches need from an every-week contributor. It could also give Baltimore and first-year head coach Jesse Minter more clarity about which defensive packages best fit its personnel, whether that means keeping Simpson on the field in passing situations or rotating other linebackers into specific roles. If he performs well during that opening stretch, the Ravens may enter the tougher part of their schedule with a deeper and more adaptable defense.

Simpson does not need to lead the Ravens in tackles or become an instant Pro Bowl player for his season to be considered successful. What Baltimore needs is a reliable complementary linebacker who can help Smith, keep the defense sound, and provide enough athleticism to handle the demands of modern offenses. The Ravens’ defense will still be shaped by its stars, its pass rush, and its secondary, but the middle of the field cannot become a weakness. If Simpson takes advantage of his opportunity early, his emergence could show that Baltimore has found a key piece of its defensive future.