Delvon Simmons, DT USC
Summary:
The 6’5″, 295 pound defensive end shined as a senior for the Trojans, recording 44 tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a blocked field goal–earning 2nd-Team All-Pac 12 honors:
Indianapolis Colts UDFA Delvon Simmons earned a +29.7 run defense grade against Power-5 opposition, 2nd-best in this interior defender class
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 1, 2016
With the Colts, he figure to compete for a rotational defensive line spot (via his NFL.com Draft profile):
"STRENGTHS Gives consistent effort with an above average motor. Willing to pursue the play with hustle as it moves down the field. Active with his hands looking to slap initial punch away from his frame. Loves to use arm chop pass to kick off his pass rush rep. Can play through his blocker and locate ball quickly. Shows some stack and shed edge potential along with desired shed timing. Can close down rushing creases with necessary lateral movement down the line."
"WEAKNESSES High-cut with thick upper body but thin calves. Plays too high and can be knocked off balance by redirect blocks. Needs to play with better knee bend to improve his leverage. Base is much too narrow and frequently finds himself on the ground after getting feet tangled in the trash. Dynamic movement is not his thing. Straight-ahead pass rusher missing twitch to explode upfield off the snap. Raw pass rusher lacking speed-to-power talent and an effective counter move. DRAFT PROJECTION Undrafted free agent BOTTOM LINE Rotational defensive end best suited to play the run rather than rush the passer. Simmons has the size and potentially strength to play end in a 3-4, but his arm length is less than what defensive coordinators look for at that position. Simmons probably doesn’t have the base or thickness to play inside on a full-time basis as a pro, so power end in a 4-3 or 3-4 five technique is his best shot."