The Baltimore Ravens have been putting their best and brightest through a gauntlet at minicamp, as they are in the early stages of figuring out how the depth chart will shake out ahead of the 2024 season. With many declaring this season championship or bust, winning will be more important now than ever before.
The Ravens have multiple competitions that need some resolution, including a mad dash to replace multiple defensive starters who left in free agency and an offensive line picture that remains unsettled. These competitions have a long way to go, but some favorites have emerged.
Multiple Ravens players started the offseason like a ball of fire and put themselves in a fairly promising position. If fans should take anything from OTAs, it's that most of the less-heralded Ravens players have been rounding into form and preparing for a very impressive 2024 season.
4 Baltimore Ravens critical observations after promising OTAs and minicamp
1. Trenton Simpson is becoming a standout
The Ravens are giving Simpson a great deal of responsibility this season, as they are trusting him to replace Patrick Queen after the former All-Pro's departure to the Pittsburgh Steelers. After taking a semi-redshirt season during 2023, the ex-Clemson star is ready to cut it loose as a starter in 2024.
Simpson has been one of the most impressive players early on at camp, as he is trying to be a lynchpin of new defensive coordinator Zach Orr's unit. Simpson was just an inch away from intercepting a Lamar Jackson pass while also pressuring the quarterback on blitzes and making several big plays as a run stuffer.
Trenton Simpson will be a key playmaker for the Baltimore Ravens
Simpson is in a perfect situation for a rookie linebacker. Not only does he have an elite defense around him, but playing next to the AFC's best linebacker in Roquan Smith gives Simpson both an ideal veteran mentor to learn from and an eraser who can make up for any miscues.
The Ravens have enough defensive stars around Simpson to the point where they don't need him to be the second coming of Ray Lewis. Being his usual, effective self and leaning on his tremendous gifts as a speedy coverage star and hard-hitter will serve Simpson well in the pros.