NFL Draft: Former Clemson Star Set for Pivotal Year with Ravens

Two years after hearing his name called in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, former Clemson standout Trenton Simpson is facing a defining season in his young professional career with the Baltimore Ravens.

The former five-star linebacker recruit entered the NFL with high expectations after a stellar junior campaign in Death Valley. Simpson racked up 77 tackles (4.0 for loss), 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 2022, earning semifinalist honors for the prestigious Butkus Award. The Charlotte native wowed scouts at the NFL Combine, posting a blazing 4.43-second 40-yard dash and 25 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press—measurables that turned heads given his 6-foot-2, 235-pound frame.

Despite his physical tools, Simpson's rookie season saw him primarily on special teams. However, last season he was thrust into a starting role, logging starts in 11 of Baltimore's 17 games. He totaled 65 tackles but faced adversity, ultimately getting benched late in the year due to lapses in pass coverage. Veterans Malik Harrison and Chris Board stepped in to absorb his reps, but both have since departed the team in free agency, clearing a path for Simpson to reclaim his place.

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With the inside linebacker role opposite three-time All-Pro Roquan Smith now up for grabs, all eyes are on Simpson to take the leap from athletic prospect to reliable NFL starter.

“Trenton, man, I have a great deal of respect for him,” Smith told reporters following team workouts on April 21. “I got some good sessions in with him this offseason, as well, and just trying to build on our bond with each other, as well, knowing what he's thinking in certain situations and also just knowing what I'm thinking, as well, and just getting out and doing more things to create a tighter bond, but I think the guy has all the athletic ability in the world – everything you would want.”

Smith didn’t stop there, offering strong backing for his younger teammate. “I have great faith that he's going to be able to put it all together, and with the addition of our coach [inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci], I'm very excited about that, as well. Trenton is [too]. So, it's going to be awesome. We're excited to get to work. What's going to happen is going to happen, but we know we're going to prepare like every day is our last day -- so that's the mindset -- and I'm very excited for him and his future.”

For Simpson, 2025 presents both opportunity and pressure. With Baltimore once again considered a contender in the AFC, the defense will be leaned on heavily—especially with an offense that could be adjusting after adding former Clemson receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the 27th overall draft pick by the Houston Texans in 2013, and rebuilding an offensive line. 

The Ravens finished 12-5 last year before falling to the Buffalo Bills 27-25 in the Divisional Playoffs. They hold the 27th overall pick in this year’s draft and 11 total through seven rounds. They are widely projected to target a cornerback or safety, though a linebacker could come into play if a top-tier talent slides.

Baltimore also dipped into the Clemson pipeline with last year’s first-round selection of cornerback Nate Wiggins, who produced a strong rookie season with 33 tackles, 13 pass defenses, a forced fumble, and a pick-six in 15 games (six starts).

Will the Ravens make it three in a row by drafting yet another Clemson standout?

Several former Tigers are projected to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Barrett Carter and Jake Briningstool potentially going early. Others expected to be drafted or signed as undrafted free agents include R.J. Mickens, Payton Page, Phil Mafah, Marcus Tate, and Aidan Swanson.