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2016 Washington Redskins Draft Profiles: Justin Simmons, S

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2016 draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Aaron Lesher

Justin Simmons
School: Boston College | Conference: ACC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 202 lbs
pSparq: 134.9 / NFL %: 96.2
Projected Draft Status: 6th - 7th Round
NFL Comparison: Antone Exum

College Statistics

Athletic Profile

Player Overview

Justin Simmons is a tall, rangy, and very athletic free safety from Northern Virginia that was a four-year player at Boston College. His last two years as a full-time starter, Simmons accumulated 143 tackles, 7 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and a sack, and in 2015 was recognized as to the second team All-ACC.

Simmons destroyed the Combine, and although had impressive performances on tape and at the East-West Shrine game, really got on a lot of teams' radars with his athletic display. His 20-yard short shuttle was one of the fastest since 2006, and recorded an excellent vertical (40"), 3-cone (6.58 seconds) and broad jump (10.5'), which translate to explosiveness and agility on the field. His testing numbers in all categories except the 40-yard dash were as good or better than athletic "freaks" Jalen Ramsey and Vernon Hargreaves, both expected to be top-10 picks in the upcoming Draft.

Off the gridiron, Simmons is getting married before the Draft and looks forward to coaching Pop Warner after his NFL career.

Strengths

  • Willing and surprisingly able tackler despite lean frame
  • Takes good pursuit angles downhill
  • Shows ability to recognize and jump routes, attacks screens before they develop
  • Excellent change-of direction ability and ball skills
  • Experience at corner, although natural position is free safety / center fielder

Weaknesses

  • Naturally slender frame with little room for additional bulk
  • Stiff, high-cut build with tight hips; easily exposed in man-to-man coverage
  • Lacks a "top gear" to chase and bring down speed players
  • Can be bulldozed by powerful backs & receivers due to high center of gravity

Media Buzz




How He Fits on the Redskins

Simmons fits a huge need for the Skins as an intelligent, ballhawking, center field-type safety. He's tough and willing to do the dirty work when in comes to sorting through the trash and making the tackle. Simmons' main weakness is his "high-cut" and lean build, which limits his ability to really drive downhill and be physical with ballcarriers. It also exposes him to double moves when asked to drop into single coverage in sub packages. If drafted by the Redskins, I think he will be a good player and eventual starter, sitting behind veterans DeAngelo Hall, David Bruton, and Kyshoen Jarrett until injuries or experience allow him to compete.

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