GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers is congratulated by his teammates after an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)The New York Giants are in one of the more interesting spots in the 2020 NFL Draft, picking at No. 4. Earlier today, a relatively new name popped up as an option for the G-Men: Clemson linebacker/Swiss Army Knife Isaiah Simmons. His combine performance so far has more than justified a top five selection.
Many NFL fans became aware of Simmons during the national championship. While Clemson struggled against LSU, Simmons flashed the one-of-a-kind versatility that Clemson fans have been freaking out about. He is the perfect modern defensive weapon, able to play at every level, rush the passer like a superstar, or cover receivers in the slot.
During that game alone, he played both inside and outside linebacker, slot and outside cornerback, and defensive end. In a league where dynamic tight ends are becoming among the most difficult players to defend, Simmons is basically built for the job. Even if the Giants pass on the him at No. 4, it is hard to see him falling much farther.
Earlier in the NFL Combine, he measured in at 6-foot-4, 238 pounds. So far today, he registered a vertical jump of 39-inches, good for third among linebackers. His 132-inch broad jump came in second at the position. His 40-yard dash though, is something special. On his first try, he ran an unreal 4.39 unofficial time.
We see you, @isaiahsimmons25
My goodness, do we see you. pic.twitter.com/ZZc9JB70He
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) March 1, 2020
The “woo-wee” and “that’s not normal” coming from the broadcast tell the story there. Simmons will be one of the fastest players in the entire draft class, and he’s a “linebacker” by default.
As noted by Trevor Sikkema, that unofficial time is one of the best in combine history for a linebacker.
Isaiah Simmons' 4.39 40-yard dash is the third fastest time for any off-ball LB in #Combine history.
He's just the third linebacker ever to break 4.4.
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 1, 2020
#Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons
6-4 (93rd percentile)
39” vert (92nd percentile)
11’0” broad (98th percentile)
4.39 40-yard (99th percentile)This is Earth’s greatest defender pic.twitter.com/uXboqqGT0Z
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 1, 2020
Obviously, some teams need to get quarterback situated, and there are some very good options in this draft, including Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa. Getting an elite pass rusher or cornerback can be a game changer for a team, and Chase Young and Jeff Okudah look like they might be elite talents at those two spots.
It shouldn’t shock anyone however, if Isaiah Simmons winds up being the best overall player in this class. Few have the combined versatility, production, and raw measurable talent that he brings to the table.
