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.