Hemming and hawing through his grin, Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson didn’t quite admit to being the player to take down the Ravens’ new star running back, Derrick Henry, on Wednesday.

Normally, that would be quite the feat. Henry’s a veteran and a star, a 6-foot-3, 247-pound unicorn. But on this play it appeared someone, potentially Simpson, potentially defensive tackle Travis Jones, clotheslined Henry. If it had been a game and not teammate versus teammate, it’s the type of move that would draw the Ravens’ ire.

All Simpson would admit was that he was “close to the play.” But he did protest calling the tackle a “clothesline.”

Whether or not that move can be attributed to Simpson, it would be just one of many violent moments involving the smiley linebacker. The contrast between his on-the-field and off-the-field personas is stark — but it’s not unique. It’s reflected in the person who patrols the field next to Simpson, Pro Bowl linebacker Roquan Smith.

Smith is known for being the heart of the defense, on and off the field. He leads the way with his hard-hitting pregame speeches and even harder-hitting plays. He notoriously said he wanted to send the Cleveland Browns home to their families with their tails between their legs. But, off the field, he’s serving the community, joking with teammates and making conversation with everyone he encounters.

And that’s who Simpson wants to be.

“[I’m] just going out there, sending a message, playing as hard as I can and matching Roquan’s energy every day,” Simpson said.

Smith has been a mentor for him since Simpson arrived as a rookie last year. But, with the departure of Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen, Smith has focused even more on his relationship with Simpson, who is expected to step into Queen’s shoes.

The two spent time together through the offseason. They grabbed meals together. They traveled together (although they weren’t able to make their linebacker duo trip work). They’ve become friends in addition to teammates.

Simpson has even gotten used to Smith’s chatter, which Smith’s old partner Queen, along with the guys who sat near him in the locker room, liked to jokingly complain about.

“But it’s all good stuff,” Simpson said with a laugh.

Simpson also provokes chatter by asking questions. He said he knows Smith is someone he should learn from, so he tries to get advice every time they’re together. How many questions does he think he asks a day?

“A lot,” Simpson said.

This offseason has also prominently featured Queen, despite his defection to the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Simpson’s football film were a movie, Queen would be a main character. Over hours of tape, Simpson has studied the way Queen moved and his presnap alignments. Simpson’s goal is to, like Queen, be an every-down linebacker.

His studies, combined with his training and his budding relationship with Smith, have paid off. Coach John Harbaugh spoke highly of his improvement from year one to year two.

“I’ve definitely seen Trent take that jump this year,” Harbaugh said.

“He’s flying around, man. He’s running. He’s making plays. He’s confident. He’s a quick learner.”

Beyond the Henry “tackle,” Simpson also took down Justice Hill, who was an important part of last year’s running back rotation, with a big tackle that sparked tension. Teammates pulled the two apart as they jawed. He also stifled an Owen Wright run in big fashion. He’s most likely one of the reasons quarterback Lamar Jackson asked the defense to pull back a little — but that also makes him one of the reasons Jackson is excited for the defense.

The tight ends have presented one of the biggest challenges for Simpson. Between Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, Simpson has to contend with two large targets who have steady hands. So far this camp, both have made their share of highlight catches. But cornerback Arthur Maulet commended Simpson for his work covering the big men and his command of the middle of the defense.

“Good communication,” Maulet said. “He knows where his help is. He plays to his leverage. He’s doing a good job on those tight ends in passing. And he’s not scared to stick his nose in in the run game, so I think he will be fine.”

There’s a lot for Simpson to work on as he prepares to go from a 46-defensive-snap season to the starting linebacker on one of the best defenses in the league.

“There’s times you’ve got him zone coverage, you got to carry a crossing route back across the field,” Harbaugh said. “Or you’ve got to get under something that’s coming back inside. He may be pushing out when he should be pushing in. Those kinds of things.”

But those things are all part of what Harbaugh said is “the last part of the process.” And Simpson has over four weeks and three preseason games to figure it out.

Smith can’t wait to see what that looks like when games come around, when the defense won’t have to pull its punches.

“With more reps and him putting it all together, I think the guy really has a chance to be special, and he has that hungry attitude, so I’m just excited to go to work with him, and I know we’ll be complementary to each other out on the field,” Smith said. “I’m excited for it.”

Attendance

Harbaugh confirmed that outside linebacker Malik Hamm will be out for the season. He said Hamm’s injury was a “freaky little thing.” His knee got pushed at just the wrong moment, and he tore his ACL. But there is a silver lining.

“Malik was doing so well ... and it’s so amazing because you go back, and I’m watching the tape up until when the injury happened. He was having a great practice! He had numerous run stops. He had a sack,” Harbaugh said.

“He has a clean ACL tear. So it does mean he’s out for the season, but it also means it bodes well for a very good recovery. Now his spirits were very upbeat, positive about the tests he’s going to be going through and the testimony that he’s going to be able to make when it’s all said and done, but I’m sure he’s very disappointed when he’s back in a quiet moment by himself. He was going to play for us this year. But his time will be coming.”

Harbaugh also gave an update on cornerback Trayvon Mullen, who has a shoulder subluxation. He should return in a few weeks.

Wide receiver Rashod Bateman made his return, but he didn’t participate in seven-on-seven or 11-on-11 drills. He left early. Harbaugh said it’s a soft tissue injury and they’re being careful with it. Wide receiver Devontez Walker also returned, although he participated only in half-speed drills.

Wide receiver Deonte Harty, outside linebacker Joe Evans and defensive tackle Rayshad Nichols remained out, in addition to outside linebacker Adisa Isaac, cornerback T.J. Tampa and running back Keaton Mitchell.