Clemson Football: Where will Tigers land in 2020 NFL Draft?

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

LB/S. Clemson. 1. Pick Analysis. Isaiah Simmons. player. 31. Scouting Report

There is an argument that Isaiah Simmons is the best player in this draft. If not the best, he is the most versatile and athletic. He is the modern-day defender with the ability to play linebacker, drop deep like a safety, and even cover the slot.

Simmons is the ultimate hybrid athlete. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash. He is long and rangy who is fluid in and out of breaks in coverage. When asked what position he plays, Simmons responded “defense” — and that’s accurate.

Simmons is as comfortable at the line of scrimmage supporting the run or blitzing as he is 30 yards deep covering his half of the field. This is certainly not a case of “jack of all trades master of none.” He is a naturally instinctive defender that can be an all-pro anywhere on the field.

After Cincinnati predictably chooses Joe Burrow with the No. 1 pick in the draft, Simmons could go anywhere from No. 2 to No. 4 with the Dolphins most likely taking a quarterback. Who Washington chooses depends on how much they love Dwayne Haskins or if they think Chase Young is the best player in the draft.

The Lions could take Simmons, but they are desperate for cornerback help. If things hold — specifically with no trades — expect the Giants to select a linebacker in the first round for the first time since Carl Banks and select Simmons.

Projection: No. 4 overall (Giants)

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