Development in the NFL isn't always measured by talent alone. Sometimes, it's measured by stability or familiarity. Few players understand that better than Baltimore Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson.
Since arriving in Baltimore, he has been asked to adapt to new voices, new expectations, and new philosophies. He's trying to establish himself as a full-time contributor as he enters the final year of his rookie contract
.The former third-round pick finally has something that's eluded him throughout his young career: continuity. For the first time, Simpson has the advantage of working under the same linebackers coach. That prevents having to start from scratch. Roquan Smith believes that could make all the difference, and two months after offering
his teammate high praise, he spoke with the media and doubled down.
Roquan Smith believes continuity can unlock Trenton Simpson
Smith has watched Simpson's growth firsthand, and he believes people outside the organization may overlook how difficult constant coaching changes can be for a young player. The veteran linebacker pointed out that Simpson has had to adjust to a different linebackers coach each season, making it difficult to establish consistency during the most important years of his development.
Now that obstacle is gone. Instead of learning a new teaching style or terminology, Simpson can devote his attention to refining the finer details of his game. That may sound like a subtle difference, but for young defenders, familiarity often allows instincts to replace hesitation. Smith believes Simpson has already begun benefiting from that stabilityas the veteran stated at Ravens camp.
"He is one of those guys that is eager to learn about anything and everything. Anything you put down, he wants to pick it up. He is like a sponge. Honestly, and I'm not just saying this because it's media. This is probably the best I have seen him. Obviously, he is in peak physical shape... Make no mistake about it. He knows what this year is... I already believe in him, and everyone else in the building believes in him as well... It is just about going out and showing that game in and game out, but it is starting right now throughout practice."
This last line says it all... "He doesn't have to relearn everything," Smith explained. "Now he can focus on taking the next step instead of catching up."
Trenton Simpson enters a defining season
The timing couldn't be better. Simpson enters a contract year knowing every practice and every game could influence the next chapter of his NFL career. While outside expectations naturally accompany that reality, Baltimore's coaching staff is likely more interested in seeing whether continuity translates into consistent production.
The Ravens have never questioned Simpson's athletic ability. His speed and range have been evident since he arrived. The remaining challenge has been putting everything together snap after snap. That's where stability could become the difference.
If Simpson can play faster because he's thinking less and reacting more, Baltimore's defense may finally see the version of the young linebacker it envisioned when it called his name on draft weekend. And if that happens, the Ravens won't simply have another productive defender entering the season. They'll have another homegrown player positioned to earn a significant role well beyond this year.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Roquan Smith delivers strongest endorsement yet of Trenton Simpson
