When it\u2019s the Baltimore Ravens\u2019 turn to select in the NFL Draft, they\u2019re usually pretty darn good at adding effective talent…at least in the first two rounds. After that, they\u2019ve struggled with consistency.<\/p>\n
In the past five years, the third round has been a bit of a stain on Baltimore\u2019s draft success. Out of six selections from that range in that stretch, just one has become a reliable starter: Travis Jones. The others, at least so far, have struggled to even carve out roles as rotational options.<\/p>\n
Among those who have been disappointing in their Baltimore tenures is Trenton Simpson. He is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and after seeing his starting role taken by a rookie<\/a> in Teddye Buchanan last year, the clock is ticking fast on his future in Charm City.<\/p>\n Baltimore Ravens\u2019 Trenton Simpson entering pivotal 2026 season<\/p>\n Simpson is facing a challenging 2026 campaign. Not only did he lose out on significant reps<\/a> to a newcomer in 2025, but now it\u2019s a whole different ballgame where he has to impress a new coaching staff. Sure, it may be a win for him since he has a chance at escaping John Harbaugh\u2019s doghouse<\/a>, but he\u2019s also starting at ground zero. This new coaching staff wasn\u2019t the one that drafted him out of Clemson.<\/p>\n The 24-year-old flashed late in his rookie season, when he put together an impressive showing against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 back in 2023. Unfortunately, he hasn\u2019t been able to put the pieces of the puzzle together since.<\/p>\n Simpson hasn\u2019t developed very good instincts against the run throughout his NFL career, and his play in coverage hasn\u2019t looked good either. It feels like he\u2019s always a step behind. His athleticism helps keep him in plays, but he quickly gets engulfed by blockers when his reaction quickness sputters. It\u2019s what has kept him on the backend of the linebacker rotation.<\/p>\n