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

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TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 27: Offensive Lineman John Simpson #74 of the Clemson Tigers during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 27, 2018, in Tallahassee, Florida. The #2 Ranked Clemson Tigers defeated the Florida State Seminoles 59 to 10. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. OG. 46. player. Pick Analysis. OG. Clemson. John Simpson

Guards do not get drafted in the first round very often. You have to be special to get drafted that high. This trend will continue in the draft this season. It is something that Clemson has a draftable offensive lineman. John Simpson will be the first lineman drafted from Clemson since 2014.

Clemson seems to find linemen who are really good college players, but for whatever reason do not translate to the NFL level. Simpson is one of the better linemen the Tigers have had in the program in some time and should be a third or fourth round pick.

Simpson is the prototypical offensive guard. He is wide, strong, and plays with a mean streak. Interior defensive linemen don’t shed him very well, and Simpson does a good job getting to the second level.

He moves players in the run game, but he is nimble enough to protect the quarterback in the passing game. He understands his assignment when opponents bring pressure up the middle. When he gets his hands on you it is game over.

When the Colts decided to sign Phillip Rivers, they had a plan to protect him, right? Simpson would be a value in the fourth round (pick 122) to complement Quenton Nelson at guard.

Projection: Fourth round, No. 122 (Colts)

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