Detroit Lions showing interesting in Isaiah Simmons with No. 3 pick
There’s a chance we could see Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons be taken higher than expected with the Detroit Lions potentially showing interest.
Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons is going to be one of the top selections in this coming spring’s NFL Draft.
Simmons, a hybrid linebacker, proved to be the most versatile defender in the nation over the course of the 2019 season and will be a hot commodity coming into the draft.
Though most NFL mock drafts have Simmons going somewhere between the 7-12 range, there are several Detroit Lions insiders who believe the Lions will take a look at Simmons with the No. 3 overall pick.
The overarching belief at this point is that the Lions would take Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah with that No. 3 pick, following LSU QB Joe Burrow going No. 1 and OSU DE Chase Young going No. 2, but there’s plenty of reasons why Simmons would be a perfect fit as the Lions look to return to prominence.
Detroit runs a 3-3-5 scheme to essentially keep an extra safety on the field. Simmons would be a perfect in a system like that. He could hang back and play a strong safety role, or fill in at an outside linebacker spot. He’d likely be asked to bulk up a little, though, if he was going to play outside linebacker in that scheme.
Simmons’ versatility, elite athleticism and physicality should certainly draw at least a look from the Lions. All of those skills will be on display at the NFL Combine and at Clemson’s Pro Day, should he choose to participate in those events.
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If the Lions don’t take Simmons at No. 3, I believe there is a great chance he still moves up draft boards as we get closer to the event. NFL scouts are going to see that elite-level athleticism and take a chance on him higher than many analysts are projecting currently.