BREAKING: Ravens Draft Clemson LB Trenton Simpson
The Baltimore Ravens had to wait over three hours to make their first pick on the second day of the 2023 NFL Draft and took the final decision down to the closing seconds.
But in the end, the Ravens landed a player many thought would go much earlier, selecting Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson at No. 86 overall.
SI's Draft Bible dubbed Simpson "a physical specimen that embodies versatility," while his "usefulness in multiple schemes and athletic traits" created the profile of a potential early draft pick.
Instead, Simpson fell to the Ravens in the middle of the third-round, creating a strong value pick for general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh.
Simpson joins Boston College receiver Zay Flowers, taken at No. 22 overall, as Baltimore's only top-100 picks after giving up its second-round pick in exchange for linebacker Roquan Smith.
The 6-2, 235-pound Simpson ran a 4.43 40-yard dash and earned third-team All-ACC honors this past season. Across 37 games (27 starts) for the Tigers, Simpson recorded 187 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, six pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
Simpson will turn 22 years old in June, meaning Baltimore's added a young, versatile and extremely athletic piece to the middle of its defense.
While raw, Simpson proved his talent time and again at Clemson - and now has the chance to learn under Smith and build on his impressive physical profile.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter at @DFlickDraft
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