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The 2027 NFL Draft is absolutely loaded with talent across the board. We are going to be having debates all season about who tops multiple positions, with one of the biggest debates coming at edge. Some believe South Carolina's Dylan Stewart reigns supreme, but in this one, we are talking about the true top edge rusher in the class: Texas' Colin Simmons.
What makes Simmons stand out above the rest? Let's talk about it.
From his freshman season, we knew that Colin Simmons would be special. He would win the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year award after posting an impressive 9.0 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He would follow that up with 12.0 sacks this season. He looks like he is shot out of a cannon off the line, with crazy knee bend, giving him an immediate advantage against his blocker. Simmons' motor runs hot, never taking a play off, and even runs down ball carriers across the field.
The speed-to-power game is there, showcasing the ability to engage with mauler blockers. Plus hand placement. Shows up when the lights are brightest, as shown by his 2.5 sack performance against Oklahoma.
I have a feeling NFL teams will want him to bulk a little more, as he is a tick undersized for the position. I fear some NFL scouts will treat Simmons similarly to Rueben Bain Jr. this last draft cycle. For me, my biggest note of opportunity is rush counters. When his speed fails him and he has to engage with a blocker, where are the extra moves to free himself? He gets stonewalled and just seems to freeze at times, as he relies, at times, on his freakish athleticism to win battles.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Report on Texas' Colin Simmons
Continue reading...
What makes Simmons stand out above the rest? Let's talk about it.
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 240 lbs
- Recruiting rank: Five-star recruit, no. 4 edge nationally
- Hometown: Duncanville, Texas
- Games watched: Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, Georgia
From his freshman season, we knew that Colin Simmons would be special. He would win the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year award after posting an impressive 9.0 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He would follow that up with 12.0 sacks this season. He looks like he is shot out of a cannon off the line, with crazy knee bend, giving him an immediate advantage against his blocker. Simmons' motor runs hot, never taking a play off, and even runs down ball carriers across the field.
The speed-to-power game is there, showcasing the ability to engage with mauler blockers. Plus hand placement. Shows up when the lights are brightest, as shown by his 2.5 sack performance against Oklahoma.
I have a feeling NFL teams will want him to bulk a little more, as he is a tick undersized for the position. I fear some NFL scouts will treat Simmons similarly to Rueben Bain Jr. this last draft cycle. For me, my biggest note of opportunity is rush counters. When his speed fails him and he has to engage with a blocker, where are the extra moves to free himself? He gets stonewalled and just seems to freeze at times, as he relies, at times, on his freakish athleticism to win battles.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Report on Texas' Colin Simmons
Continue reading...
