Tag: Isaiah Simmons

Winners and losers from the 2020 scouting combine

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine has concluded in Indianapolis. Who won the week, and who leaves town with work to do?

The 2020 NFL scouting combine is now in the books. Over the course of the past week, more than 300 prospective NFL players were put through the paces during the world’s strangest job interview. After all, that is what the combine truly is: A job interview. Some will get jobs, others will not. 

With the combine behind us, who improved their chances, and which prospects still have work to do? 

Winner: Jalen Hurts

(Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

The Oklahoma product came into Indianapolis known for his athleticism, and he did not disappoint in that regard. Hurts posted a 4.59 40-yard dash, one of the best numbers turned in by the quarterbacks and a number that backs up Hurts’ athleticism on film. (Only Cole McDonald ran faster, besting Hurts by 0.01 seconds). 

But scouts and evaluators knew that the Oklahoma signal-caller was athletic. What they wanted to see was more evidence that he can develop into an NFL passer. That is where his throwing session comes into play. He impressed during his throwing session, displaying tighter and crisper mechanics. In addition, the ball popped out of his hand very well. For example, he delivered on a well-placed out route to Isaiah Hodges along the left sideline, as well and a great dig route to Antonio Gandy-Golden off of a deep drop into the pocket. Those throws highlighted some improved footwork from the quarterback. Hurts helped himself this week, especially when you consider how well he likely performed in his interviews with teams.

While Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa seem solidified in the top tier of quarterbacks, there is a lot of wrangling behind them for a spot in that second tier. With his performance in Indianapolis, Hurts might have moved into that group.  

Loser: Jake Fromm

(Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

To be fair to Fromm, the parts of the Combine that were visible to the public are probably not the areas where he is going to excel. The Georgia passer is not known for having a powerful arm, nor is he known for upper-tier athleticism. During the testing and the workout at Lucas Oil Stadium, those parts of his game were on display. Fromm managed just a 5.01 40-yard dash, the slowest time of any quarterback who chose to run. During his throwing session, Fromm’s passes lacked velocity and tended to dip as they approached their target.

However, the parts that we could not see, specifically the team interviews and the whiteboard sessions, are probably where Fromm shines. He is a very smart and experienced passer who was given a lot of responsibility at the line of scrimmage, and early in his career. From the neck up Fromm is one of the better quarterbacks in this class, and during those meetings he likely impressed coaches and general managers with his knowledge of the game and offensive/defensive schemes. 

There is likely to be an NFL team – or more – that falls for Fromm during this process. Based on his film, it will likely be due more to what he does during the meetings than anything he displayed Thursday night on the Lucas Oil Turf. 

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Video: Best of linebacker prospects at the combine

The NFL scouting combine has helped some of the year’s top draft prospects display their athleticism.

The NFL scouting combine has helped some of the year’s top draft prospects display their athleticism. On Saturday, the linebackers shined, particularly in the 40-yard dash where Isaiah Simmons, Kenneth Murray and Patrick Queen flashed elite speed.

Watch some of the best moments from the linebacker class as shared by the NFL’s Twitter account below:

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Will potential Trent Williams departure make Redskins reconsider Chase Young at No. 2?

The Redskins’ roster needs only get bigger if Williams isn’t on the field, and addressing them in the draft means passing on Chase Young.

It doesn’t look like the Trent Williams situation is going to be resolved any time soon, and recent reports suggest that a marriage between him and the Washington Redskins will not be in the future, as the two sides remain far apart when it comes to a financial agreement.

So with Williams demanding top-of-the-market money, and the Redskins refusing to pay that price, the two sides are in yet another staring contest that could last throughout the offseason. I’m not sure which side will break first, if either, but it brings up an interesting question that needs to be considered in Washington.

Does the potential loss of Williams make the Redskins reconsider who they pick at No. 2 in the NFL Draft?

The two may seem unrelated, and you may think it’s a crazy idea to pass up on Chase Young if given the chance to select a perennial pass-rusher. This, though, has more to do with what the Redskins plan to do at the left tackle position should Williams be traded away, and whether or not Washington would consider using their draft leverage to fill a need rather than build on an already solid position group. The Redskins don’t have any depth at the position, and the free agency market isn’t ripe with offers that blow you away. That leaves the draft.

Over the past week, the Redskins have created some buzz by kicking the tires on Tua Tagovailoa, which is likely being done in order to keep the trade value of their No. 2 pick as high as possible. Fans of the ‘best player available’ draft model believe that Young is the clear-cut answer, but supporters of the ‘draft for need’ strategy may have a strong case here.

Should Trent be traded away, the Redskins NEED a left tackle, and one who can start right away — not someone drafted in the middle to late rounds. If Washington were to trade the No. 2 pick to Miami, for example, they may be able to get the No. 5 overall pick, as well as another first-rounder, and potentially a whole lot more. With one of the first-rounders, likely No. 18, the Redskins could draft an OT who has a high upside and a chance to become the teams’ next great lineman — think Andrew Thomas, Mekhi Becton, or Jedrick Wills. With the No. 5 pick, they could take Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons, the draft’s best linebacker who has seen his stock continue to soar through the NFL Combine. These two selections would go a long way in filling two of the Redskins’ biggest needs on the roster.

This all becomes irrelevant if the Redskins are able to work out a future with Williams, but that doesn’t seem likely at the moment. Washington has an easy fix to some of their roster problems; they just have to pass on Chase Young in order to make it work.

That’s a big risk to take.

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2020 NFL Combine: Potential Giants target Isaiah Simmons puts on a show

Potential New York Giants draft target, Isaiah Simmons, put on a show for the ages at the 2020 NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday.

Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons made an impression during media interviews at the 2020 NFL Combine in Indianapolis earlier this week, confidently telling reporters that he’s capable of changing the game regardless of what position he plays defensively.

“I know years ago it wasn’t good to be a positionless guy. But now it’s become a benefit for me just because of all the versatility I’ll be able to do, play linebacker, play safety, whatever it is, I feel like it just helps me out,” Simmons told reporters. “I like an interception just as much as I like getting a sack. I don’t really think I have a favorite.”

The fact that Simmons doesn’t have a defined role entering the NFL has given some pause, especially when it comes to the New York Giants, who are in clear need of a game-changing linebacker as opposed to a linebacker/safety tweener.

But the game is evolving and the Giants are weak at both the linebacker and safety positions. Moreover, unlike their system under James Bettcher, Patrick Graham has already promised that his scheme will be more “multiple.” Essentially, you’ll see New York line up in the 3-4, 4-3, 2-4, 3-3-5 and any other formation you can think of.

That makes Simmons and his versatility a potentially interesting fit. And if there were any lingering doubts about what the “tweener” could bring to the table, he squashed them on Saturday in Indianapolis.

Simmons checked in just over 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds before proceeding to run a 4.39 40-yard dash. And while that’s the number so many key in on, his impressive performance extended well beyond his blazing speed.

Simmons is taller than wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, heavier than linebacker Roquon Smith, faster than legendary return man Devin Hester, has a better vertical than wide receiver Julio Jones and more explosiveness than running back Alvin Kamara.

That is unparalleled athleticism and nothing could be more “multiple” than that. It’s also why Simmons, assuming he falls to No. 4 overall, has planted himself firmly on the Giants’ radar and why he should absolutely be their pick if the opportunity presents itself.

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Report: Giants looking to add a ‘Michael Strahan-type player’

The New York Giants are looking to add a “Michael Strahan-like player” who can alter the offensive approach of their opponents.

Michael Strahan is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the New York Giants’ Ring of Honor, and he will long be remembered as one of the most dominant football players of his era.

And that’s exactly what the Giants and general manager Dave Gettleman hope to find here in 2020.

Ralph Vacchiano of the SNY reports that the Giants are in search of a “Michael Strahan-type player” who will dramatically alter the offensive approach of their opponents.

One team source said the Giants are definitely looking for that “Michael Strahan-type player” who can change the approach of an opposing offense all by himself. But unless Young falls to them at 4, they’re skeptical that such a player exists in this year’s draft. They’d have to take a shot at a second-tier player on the second day, like Wisconsin’s Zack Baun, Notre Dame’s Julian Okwara, or Penn State’s Yetur Gross-Matos.

And they’ll be in the same bind when it comes to free agency. They’ll likely take their shot at Jadeveon Clowney, but they are privately worried that any of the non-tagged pass rushers will end up priced way above what the Giants are willing to pay.

There are 32 teams looking for a “Michael Strahan-type player,” so that’s not exactly a revelation. However, the notion that no such player exists in the 2020 NFL Draft is a curious thought considering how well Chase Young and Isaiah Simmons performed at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Arguably, there isn’t an all-around talent like Strahan becoming available in free agency, so that skepticism is warranted. But Young and Simmons not being considered in that Strahan-like group? They may play a different style of football, but they seem to possess that game-changing gene the Giants so desperately need on the defensive side of the ball.

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Texans DT D.J. Reader impressed with Clemson LB Isaiah Simmon’s 40-yard dash time

Houston Texans defensive tackle D.J. Reader was impressed with the 40-yard dash time from Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons.

INDIANAPOLIS — Clemson Tigers linebacker Isaiah Simmons posted an impressive time for his 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday night.

The 6-4, 230-pounder, who played safety earlier in his career at Clemson, blazed 40 yards at Lucas Oil Stadium in 4.39 seconds.

During media availability on Feb. 27, Simmons said that an NFL team would need his skill set of size and speed to stop tight ends such as George Kittle and Travis Kelce.

“Stopping tight ends and linebackers playing man on running backs is — like the game’s no longer a 250-pound linebacker,” Simmons said. “It’s more guys that are able to run side to side and are able to cover. It’s just a necessity now with the tight ends and running backs.”

Simmons’ performance caught the eye of Houston Texans defensive tackle D.J. Reader, who is also a Clemson alumnus and has been keeping tabs on how his fellow Tigers have done at the combine.

The Texans didn’t really have a shot of getting Simmons as Walter Football projected him to go in the top-20 overall. Those projections were made before the combine. Now, Simmons’ draft stock could rise. Nevertheless, the Texans don’t have their first selection until pick No. 57 late in the second round.

Chargers’ Derwin James reacts to Isaiah Simmons’ blazing 40-yard dash

Derwin James had to give kudos to Isaiah Simmons for an outstanding feat on Saturday.

Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine featured the defensive linemen and linebackers.

Arguably the biggest highlight that caught the attention of all 32 NFL teams, as well as players in the league, including Chargers safety Derwin James was Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons.

Simmons ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, which was tied for the fifth-fastest time of any player at any position through Saturday.

That time is the second-fastest a linebacker has achieved since 2006. He was just .01 seconds behind the fastest in that time frame, a 4.38 by Seahawks’ Shaquem Griffin in 2018.

His tweet gave off the idea that the two could possibly be on the same field together to create a dynamic tandem, but James and Simmons share the same agency (Athletes First), so it was just to show kudos for the phenomenal feat.

Nonetheless, Simmons likely caught the attention of the Chargers, who have the No. 6 overall selection in the draft. Like James, Simmons is a true chess piece on the defensive side of the ball. He can blitz, play the run, cover in the slot and play special teams.

Watch: Isaiah Simmons runs a jaw-dropping 4.39 40-yard dash at NFL Combine

Isaiah Simmons stunned the nation with his 40-yard dash Saturday.

Heading into the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine we all knew Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons was an elite athlete, but he still managed to find a way to make the jaws of the world drop Saturday. At 6-foot-3, 238 pounds, the young defender was able to clock in an official 4.39 in his first 40-yard dash attempt.

Simmons may be the player who has been mocked to the Jags the most over the last few months, but it appears he’s making a strong case to be off the board when the Jags make the No. 9 selection. If he’s still available, however, it’s hard to see them passing on the opportunity to bring him in.

We deemed linebacker as the Jags’ biggest weakness this offseason and a player like Simmons would be just what the doctor ordered for them. Last year, weak-side linebacker Telvin Smith retired and his spot seems to be ideal for Simmons although he’s played at outside linebacker, inside linebacker, safety, and in the slot as a defender.

In 2019, Simmons racked up 67 total tackles and three picks. He also helped rush the passer, garnering seven sacks on the season.

Watch: Simmons, Murray, Queen dominate 40 at combine

Three possible Falcons draft targets ran blistering 40-yard dash times.

After the defensive linemen did some impressive things to kick off Saturday at the NFL scouting combine, the linebackers took it to another level. Three possible Falcons draft targets ran blistering 40-yard dash times.

Let’s take a look at all three, starting with a show-stealing performance by Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons, who ran a blazing 4.39:

LSU’s Patrick Queen, a first-round projection, ran an impressive 4.56:

Finally, here’s star Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray recording a 4.52 40-yard dash time:

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WATCH: Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons scorches 40-yard dash at 238 pounds

Clemson defensive weapon Isaiah Simmons is living up to the hype at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine

It’s just not fair that something that big can move that fast.

Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons was widely expected to dominate the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine with his rare combination of size, athleticism and versatility, and he’s living up to the hype.

Watch Simmons run a ridiculous 4.39-second 40-yard dash at 6-4, 238 pounds:

Simmons opted not to run a second 40-yard dash, and it’s hard to blame him after his initial performance.

One of the top overall prospects in the 2020 NFL draft class, Simmons was a top-10 lock coming into Indy, and he’s done nothing but cement his status with his performance so far.

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