The Ravens took another step toward locking up their entire 2013 draft class Tuesday by signing fourth-round linebacker John Simon to a four-year deal.
The Ohio State product became the seventh of the Ravens’ 10 draft picks to sign a contract. Of course, rookie negotiations have become no more than a formality since the new collective bargaining agreement came into play in 2011.
Simon was the 2012 Big Ten defensive player of the year and will compete with Courtney Upshaw for playing time as a reserve behind Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil in Baltimore’s 3-4 base defense.
In his final season with the Buckeyes, Simon collected 44 tackles, nine sacks, and 14 1/2 tackles for a loss.
Only first-round safety Matt Elam, second-round linebacker Arthur Brown, and third-round nose tackle Brandon Williams remain unsigned as the Ravens continue organized team activities this week.
