The New York Giants may be missing out on selecting Ohio State pass rusher extraordinaire Chase Young in the upcoming NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have a shot at a defensive difference maker.
The Giants select fourth overall and Young is said to be coveted by the rival Washington Redskins at No. 2.
Fear not, Giant fans. There’s another stud for the Giants to pounce on — Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound former safety is an all-around beast who was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and the recipient of the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker.
In 2019 Simmons, a junior, made 97 tackles (61 solo), had 7.0 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, six passes defensed with two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
From Matt Citak of Giants.com:
Simmons has been connected to the Giants in several mock drafts. There is no denying the versatility Simmons offers a defense. The talented 21-year-old played 100+ snaps at every alignment group other than outside corner and finished with a PFF grade of 80.0 or higher in run defense, pass rush and coverage.
Simmons has shown the ability to line up on the line, in the slot, at free safety or in the box, and has excelled at each position. While many experts believe he is destined to be a linebacker in the NFL, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound defender was great in coverage this past season. Simmons is projected as a top 10 pick in most mock drafts.
The Giants have not had a linebacker as versatile as Simmons in quite some time. He is all over the field and would don’t only give the Giants a catalyst and a playmaker on defense, they would be getting a player who could potentially lift up and energize the entire defense.
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