Tag: Jaylin Simpson

After initially trading back from pick 155 to 164 and accumulating a sixth-round selection in the process, the Colts used their third pick in the fifth round on Auburn defensive back Jaylin Simpson.

Simpson is another versatile defender added to the Colts’ defense. Although listed as safety, 915 of Simpson’s 1,976 college snaps came as a boundary cornerback, with another 309 coming from the slot.

Simpson measures in at 6-0 – 179 pounds and is a very good athlete, running a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, along with having impressive vertical and broad jump athletic testing numbers. He showcased very good ball production his final two seasons, coming away with six interceptions and seven pass breakups.

For the Colts, Simpson will play cornerback, adding some needed competition to that position group.

“I just like playing against the best of the best,” Simpson said via Colts.com. “In college, especially with SEC teams, you kind of play against smaller league teams before you get to SEC play. I personally didn’t like that. I wanted the big games, the Georgias, the LSUs, the Alabamas. That’s when the stars come out, the big plays, the big moments and you really get to see who rises to the light. I feel like I always did.”

For more on what Simpson can bring to the Colts’ secondary, here are some of his top highlights from his time at Auburn:

Before selecting Jaylin Simpson with the 164th overall pick, the Colts moved back from pick 155 in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. For a closer look at those trade details, click here.

Simpson is listed as safety, but nearly half of his career snaps at Auburn came lined up as a boundary cornerback with another 307 coming from the slot.

Simpson, who is listed at 6-0 – 179 pounds, ran a 4.45-second 40 and showcased impressive explosiveness with his vertical and broad jump testing.

He’s an experienced player who had very good ball production last season, totaling four interceptions and four pass breakups on just 25 targets. In the Colts’ defense, Simpson will be a cornerback and add to the competition at that position group.

For more on what Simpson can bring to the Colts’ secondary, here is what a few pre-draft scouting reports had to say about his game:

Lance Zierlein – NFL.com

“Long defensive back with speed, athleticism and ball skills that might have teams posting him in the cornerback column instead of at safety. Simpson has started at both positions but might be caught between the two. He doesn’t support the run well enough to instill confidence as a last line of defense and he can be a little tardy to get his hips flipped in one-on-one transitions as a corner. Simpson does pedal and match receivers in space, balancing his eyes between route progressions and the quarterback as a high safety. He also contests catches with good success. He’s a good football player with explosive traits, but teams will need to have a plan for how to use him.”

Bleacher Report Scouting Department

“Ultimately, Simpson is a high-level athlete who is more than capable of turning the ball over, as he showed with his seven career interceptions at Auburn. He has the skill set to play safety in the NFL, but he will need to continue to fill out his frame and add strength. His versatility is his biggest asset, which should lead him to being a middle-round selection.”

Damian Parson – The Draft Network

“Simpson is a solid starting hybrid defensive back. His instincts, athleticism, and positional flexibility make him a fit for creative defensive coaches. He is best utilized as a free safety in the high post to combat explosive passing plays.”

After trading down with Philadelphia, with the 164th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Auburn defensive back Jaylin Simpson. Here is a quick breakdown of the pick.

Height: 6-0

Weight: 179

RAS: 7.40

Stats to know: Simpson is listed as a safety, but of his 1,973 career snaps, 915 came as a boundary cornerback and another 307 from the slot. He’s also an experienced special teams player with 441 career snaps. Last season in coverage, Simpson allowed 15 completions on 25 targets at 11.3 yards per catch with four interceptions and four pass breakups. Simpson was one of PFF’s highest-graded coverage safeties in 2023.

Fit with Colts: The Colts could use added competition at free safety and bolster the cornerback depth; Simpson provides them with options at both. The Colts relied heavily on a young secondary last season and experienced inconsistent play, allowing too many explosive plays while not making enough plays on the ball, ranking 23rd in pass breakups. While help is needed on the back end, Simpson is a developmental prospect.

What Lance Zierlein had to say: “Long defensive back with speed, athleticism and ball skills that might have teams posting him in the cornerback column instead of at safety. Simpson has started at both positions but might be caught between the two. He doesn’t support the run well enough to instill confidence as a last line of defense and he can be a little tardy to get his hips flipped in one-on-one transitions as a corner. Simpson does pedal and match receivers in space, balancing his eyes between route progressions and the quarterback as a high safety. He also contests catches with good success. He’s a good football player with explosive traits, but teams will need to have a plan for how to use him.”