32 college football players destined to be future first round picks

32 college football players destined to be future first round NFL Draft picks

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a first quarter touchdown reception past Tanner Muse #19 of the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

12 of 33

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

22. Isaiah Simmons – Linebacker, Clemson

As NFL offenses continue to adopt college spread concepts and force teams to defend every part of the field, hybrid players like Isaiah Simmons will be almost necessary for defenses. Simmons is another player who could have entered the draft this past April and would have been in the first round discussion given his skill set.

A safety/linebacker, Simmons offers a ton of versatility with a rare blend of size and athleticism that allows him to be adept both in the box and in coverage. Last season Simmons elevated the second level of the Clemson defense and displayed his versatility leading the team in tackles and pass deflections.

Now with Clemson losing all the big bodies on the defensive line, Simmons will need to be the leader of the front seven and keep things afloat. As far as the NFL goes, it is still unclear if teams prefer him as a linebacker or safety, but regardless he is a dynamic player that will improve any defense. He is already a highly sought after prospect, but it’ll be interesting to see how he tests next February at the combine because that could make him easily a top-15 pick.

Home/College Football