Bucky Brooks predicts Detroit Lions will draft Isaiah Simmons

Several prospects have been projected to the Detroit Lions in the first round. But could Isaiah Simmons be creeping up as a sleeper to go third overall?

With the NFL Scouting Combine getting underway this week, draft talk has dominated the headlines. And because they own the third overall selection, the Detroit Lions have been the subject of heavy speculation.

The Lions are believed to be in a prime position to trade down. With several NFL teams seemingly in need of a franchise quarterback, and the belief that Alabama passer Tua Tagovailoa will be available, Detroit could even strike a deal while their staff is at the combine this week.

In the event that the Lions actually stay put at No. 3, there have been two names closely connected to the franchise. Those prospects being Ohio State cornerback Jeffrey Okudah and Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown.

But one name could be slowly creeping into consideration for the Lions with that high pick. And that’s Clemson versatile defender Isaiah Simmons.

Here’s what NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks wrote in his latest mock draft for the league’s official website about projecting the Lions drafting the linebacker, safety hybrid third overall.

"“The Lions have a pressing need at cornerback, but the opportunity to land a Swiss Army Knife playmaker with explosive traits wins out in this scenario.”"

The Lions figure to be loaded at the linebacker and safety positions. Last season, Detroit drafted Hawaii linebacker Jahlani Tavai in the second round and safety Will Harris in the third.

Veterans like Devon Kennard, Christian Jones, and Jarrad Davis figure to round out the linebacker corps nicely. While Harris and Tracy Walker are clearly the future safety combo for the foreseeable future in Detroit.

Where would that leave a prospect like Simmons? At 6-foot-4, 230-pounds, NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein actually believes he could play three positions: slot corner, safety, or linebacker. It’s not hard to see how a player with that kind of versatility could be useful, especially as the Lions decide which players to pay and which to move on from over the next couple years.

Called a unicorn-level athlete by The Draft Network’s Kyle Crabbs, Simmons put up monster numbers this past season for Tigers. He recorded 104 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, three interceptions, eight pass defends, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 15 games.

Simmons’ stellar play help to led Clemson to the CFP National Championship Game last month where he recorded seven tackles, a sack and two passes deflections in a 42-25 loss to LSU. The junior received the Butkus Award for being the nation’s top linebacker in 2019.

The tug of war that takes place in most NFL draft war rooms every year is the decision to draft based on talent or need. They usually try to find a good balance of both categories. For the Detroit Lions, the need for a player like Isaiah Simmons may not appear to be pressing at the moment. But his immense talent and versatility may prove to be too enticing to ignore … even at the third overall spot.