For the first 13 games of last season, Trenton Simpson was the starter next to Roquan Smith. In the playoffs, Simpson didn't play a single defensive snap.
After a sophomore campaign that ended watching veterans Malik Harrison and Chris Board, Simpson is eager to prove he's ready to regain (and keep) his starting spot in Year 3.
"I know that will be the greatest thing that ever happened in my career," Simpson said of last year's finish. "It definitely made me more alert to understand that this is a business, and you have to prove it every single day. I've learned so much from it."
To reclaim his spot beside Smith, Simpson hasn't left the veteran's side this offseason – a credit to both Simpson and Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler who is looking to get his running mate up to speed.
Smith flew back to Baltimore in March to join Simpson for daily offseason workouts and film study. They were together for four months, all the way through OTAs and now into minicamp. Simpson called Smith his "big brother."
"I'm trying to take all the knowledge I can that he's given me," Simpson said. "Being around greatness creates greatness. So, I'm just trying to be around him as much as possible, working hard, and following his lead. I'm ready to go out there and lay it on the line for this team and for him."