Is a big sophomore leap in store for this former Clemson star in 2024?

One national outlet believes that could be the case for Trenton Simpson, following a strong finish to his first NFL campaign in 2023.

Pro Football Focus highlighted potential breakout candidates at each position ahead of the upcoming season, and Simpson was named to PFF’s 2024 All-Breakout Team at the linebacker position.

As a rookie with the Baltimore Ravens last season, Simpson saw limited defensive snaps but made his mark as a special teams piece while playing in 15 games. Now, entering 2024 – after the departure of former Ravens starting linebacker Patrick Queen – Simpson is in line to take over the starting job alongside Roquan Smith.

The athletic, fast Simpson showed flashes of what he’s capable of during his rookie campaign, especially in Baltimore’s regular season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when he got extended playing time with the Ravens sitting some starters after having already clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs.

In that game, Simpson posted seven tackles and two tackles for loss, as well as his first career sack, and now he figures to be an important part of Baltimore’s defense as he’s primed to take on a bigger role.

“Simpson steps into the role vacated by Patrick Queen next to Roquan Smith in the Ravens’ defense, and they will hope his Week 18 performance carries over into his first season as a starter,” PFF’s Gordon McGuinness wrote. “On 26 snaps against the Pittsburgh Steelers that week, 21 of which came against the run, he registered three tackles resulting in a defensive stop.”

Simpson, who was widely regarded as an excellent value pick for the Ravens as the 86th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, finished his first regular season in the NFL with 13 total tackles (two for loss), one sack, a quarterback hit and one fumble recovery.

A former five-star prospect from North Carolina, Simpson finished his highly productive Clemson career (2020-22) with 187 tackles (22.5 for loss), 12.5 sacks, six pass breakups and three forced fumbles over 37 games.

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