Big Board Ranking: #57
Positional Ranking: #3
Overview
Position: LB
College: Clemson
Class: Junior
Age: 21
Measurables
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 235 lbs.
Arm length: 32 3/8″
Hand size: 10 1/4″
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: 4.43 sec.
10-yard split: 1.55 sec.
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
Bench press: 25 reps
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Prototype overall size with good length. Plus overall range and athleticism. Textbook tackler that securely wraps up with both arms. Hits with force and is able to force the ball out on contact. Very active hands to engage from blocks. Excellent speed and hustle all over the field. Good ability to sift through blockers in pursuit. Will drill blockers in space. Uses hands to keep blockers off at the second level. Fast and aggressive triggering downhill to get to the quarterback as a spy. Experience playing overhang linebacker/slot position. Very quick to get depth in coverage and strafe towards the sideline. Stays low and aware as a zone defender. Will use physicality and jams in coverage. Able to drop and play deep routes over the middle. Tremendous position versatility to play multiple linebacker spots. Lined up as a split safety on occasion. Used heavily as a blitzer. Great burst off the edge. High character as a military son with a father that recently retired from the Army.
Weaknesses
Reactionary quickness is a tick slow for his skillset. Play recognition and field vision are inconsistent. Wraps too low at times and will allow additional yardage rather than stopping ball-carriers in their tracks. Takes some poor angles to the ball versus the run. Inconsistent getting off blocks and can be taken out by tight ends. Can be slow to react to throws in tight coverage.
NFL comparison
Chad Muma
Conclusion
Overall, Simpson is a well-rounded defender with role versatility to be an off-ball linebacker in any scheme. His skillset in coverage and willingness to play the run makes Simpson one of the top linebackers in the class.