Trenton

Simpson

The Ravens also signed fourth-round LB Tavius Robinson. Simpson, a three-year contributor and two-year starter, had 165 tackles, 13 sacks, and 23 TFLs in 33 games at Clemson and was one of the top performers at the Combine, running a 4.43 forty with an elite 9.83 RAS. With Simpson and Robinson signed, first-round WR Zay Flowers is the Ravens’ only unsigned pick.

The 13th-ranked overall recruit from the 2020 prep cycle, Simpson (6’2/235) was a key cog from Clemson’s vaunted defensive class that includes fellow 2023 draftees Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy. He played sparingly as a freshman until tallying five tackles, 2.0 TFL and a sack in the ACC Championship game against Notre Dame, formally announcing his arrival as a force in DC Brent Venable’s defense. Simpson was a menace in 2021 with the All-ACC linebacker posting 32 pressures and receiving a stellar 87.1 pass rush grade from PFF. Versatility is a clear strength, as Simpson is equally comfortable dropping into coverage or rushing off the edge where he logged 387 reps in his three-year career. An aggressive defender who flows downhill with urgency in run support, Simpson can be fooled by misdirection and his over pursuit can lead to poor gap fills. His closing speed is elite and backed up by his blinding 1.48s 10-yard split and 4.43s 40-yard dash were both 99th-percentile marks, while his sky-high 9.83 RAS proves he has more than enough athleticism to play at the next level. Simpson is a complete linebacker with edge experience who has the tools and pedigree to be an impact NFL linebacker. With Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen locked in as the Ravens’ inside linebackers, Simpson could move outside in Baltimore.

Simpson (6'3/230) is a player plenty deserving of some recognition after what he’s shown on the field up to this point. One of the most impressive aspects of his game has been that he didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage last season according to Pro Football Focus. In 2021, he totaled 65 tackles (41 solo) with six sacks and two passes defensed.

Simpson (6'2/220) told 247Sports that at this juncture, he has no leader in mind from that lot of five. He plans on taking official visits to four of these five programs, with UNC the lone outlier. That’s not to put the Tar Heels behind the eight ball necessarily (though perhaps it does), but rather is a matter of distance. Simpson hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, and has easy access to the campus (it’s about a two-hour drive). It’s actually probably the program with which he is most familiar. On the 247Sports composite board, Simpson ranks as the No. 67 overall prospect in the 2020 class.

Simpson released a top five of Auburn, Georgia, Miami, UNC and Tennessee back in May. Auburn wins. For now, anyway. The Charlotte native is considered one of the best linebackers in the country, and ranks as the 52nd best prospect overall in the 2020 class in 247Sports rankings, and fourth among outside backers. He’s the fifth four-star prospect to join the class for the Tigers, and 247Sports ranks that group 18th overall in their rankings.

Simpson (6'2/220) will be soaking in the atmosphere when the Tar Heels play host to UVA on Saturday. He committed to Auburn in June, but backed off that pledge on Oct. 20 to reassess his options. To that effort, the Charlotte native took an unofficial visit to Clemson last weekend. A lengthy defender, Simpson covers big ground with his first-step explosion and is a killer when tasked with blitzing the opposition. On the 247Sports composite board, Simpson lands as the No. 33 overall prospect in the 2020 class.

Simpson has really seen his stock rise this season, with 247Sports ranking him as the 13th best player in the country and the second best outside linebacker. He had committed to the Tigers back in June over Georgia, Miami, UNC, but he’s decided to back off that pledge. Right now, he’s viewed as a heavy favorite to commit to the Tar Heels, but UNC will have plenty of suitors to hold off. This is obviously a big loss for Auburn, and it would be a massive get for Mack Strong and the Tar Heels.

Simpson (6'2/220) is visiting Clemson on an official this weekend. The Tigers offered to him earlier on Saturday. And boom, just like that, another one added to HC Dabo Swinney’s 2020 infinity gauntlet. The Charlotte native -- who had been committed to Auburn from June into October -- was also seriously considering UNC before Clemson came in like a thundercloud to seal the deal in rapid fashion. Simpson comes equipped with palatable athleticism and position versatility, slotting onto the 247Sports composite board as the No. 29 overall prospect for the 2020 cycle. Clemson currently holds the No. 1 class on the outlet’s team rankings board.