NFL Combine 2020: 3 linebackers who helped their stock

It’s hard for a prospect who is already considered a top-10 selection to boost their NFL draft stock more. On Saturday, it was clear that Isaiah Simmons deserved to be considered in the top-10 and potentially top-five selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. Simmons was regarded as one of the best defensive prospects and the most versatile prospect in this draft class.

The problem that most scouts and analysts had with Simmons overall was his availability to switch and play inside linebacker, safety, slot cornerback, outside linebacker and outside cornerback often. There were considerations that he wasn’t a pure position player due to his reliability to fill holes at multiple formations.

On Saturday, Simmons participated in drills at his primary position at inside linebacker. He displayed great athleticism, durability and speed in the position drills. He was one of the most standout players in the position drills of all linebacker prospects in the combine.

He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, which is the second-fastest time among linebackers in the scouting combine and the first since Shaquem Griffin’s 4.38 time. He measured in at 132 inches in the broad jump, which is the second-highest measured jump of all linebackers.

Finally, in the vertical jump, he measured in 39 inches which is tied for the third-highest of all linebackers in the combine.

With his performances in the combine, his reliability and his impact on the field for the Clemson Tigers, he will be a highly needed prospect. Simmons will be the prime target for a team that needs some defensive consistency and immediate impact on the field. The New York Giants are a team that will is the likely team for Simmons to contribute.