The offseason battle to watch for the Baltimore Ravens is at linebacker, with Trenton Simpson battling it out with Teddye Buchanan. The former third-round pick struggled last season next to Roquan Smith, as Malik Harrison took over Patrick Queen‘s job in 2024, both ending up with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
The 23-year-old was reverted to a rotation backup role in his second season, and will be tested as the slated starter entering year three. Simpson’s competition just got tougher, as they drafted Teddeye Buchanan in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Both rookies are experienced tacklers but will need to prove themselves in coverage.
They also brought in veteran Jake Hummel for special teams in free agency and added undrafted rookie Jay Higgins. Depending on the outcome of the camp battle at the linebacker two spot, we could see a new face if Simpson isn’t up for the challenge. The 22-year-old Buchanan and 23-year-old Higgins could give him a run for his money.
Ravens’ Trenton Simpson vs. Buchanan, Higgins
Simpson was a raw player coming out of Clemson, as there is a chance the Ravens could mix him in as a blitzer or rusher off the edge. But he will have to prove his awareness in coverage and make steps towards improvement as a potential starter.
In 2024, he had 73 total tackles, a sack and a half, five tackles for loss, four pass deflections, and a fumble recovery while starting just 13 games. Simpson needs to sure up his game and be the complementary piece with his athleticism next to Roquan.
At Cal, Buchanan spent four seasons as a Golden Bear and one as a starter. He had 114 total tackles in 2024, along with five sacks, two forced fumbles, and four pass deflections.
Higgins was a four-year starter at Iowa, playing a fifth year, but is coming off a down season in 2024 compared to 2023. Jay had 341 combined tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, nine pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and five career interceptions for the Hawkeyes.
Both rookies could threaten Simpson, as they bring more starting experience, potentially tackling ability, and size. The one thing that separates them from the third-year player is athleticism, as he was good in his short starting stint in 2023 to end the season.
The second linebacker spot can’t be a weakness like last year, as their run/ pass defense away from Smith was picked on by opposing quarterbacks and running backs. And if Roquan misses any time, that could spell bad news for a defense that can’t have their start like in 2024 if they want to have success early.
With an improved secondary and more reinforcements in the trenches, the Baltimore Ravens may have to resort to drastic measures like signing a free agent or through trade if their young players don’t step up to the plate for 2025. But I expect one of them out of the bunch to emerge as the clear starter once training camp is done.
