Trenton Simpson NFL Draft Overview
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 235lbs.
School: Clemson
2023 NFL Draft: Trenton Simpson Scouting Report
One of the many stars of the Clemson defense over the past three years, Trenton Simpson is ready for the jump to the NFL. Making an immediate impact on the team as a freshman, Simpson put his modern-day linebacker athleticism on full display early. In 2022, Simpson played in 12 games, totaling 72 tackles (four for a loss), 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. The Mallard Creek High School product also made his presence known in the passing game, with three deflections. Not to mention, Simpson was also a Butkus Award semifinalist and a third-team All-ACC selection in his final year as a Tiger.
Over the course of his collegiate career, Trenton Simpson went from a versatile, athletic defensive chess piece to a more traditional linebacker role. During his 2021 breakout season, Simpson had 6.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for a loss, and 65 total tackles across 13 games. Whereas his first year played in eight games with 28 total tackles and four sacks. It goes without saying there was a noticeable difference in production when playing a more traditional linebacker role. But for the 92nd-rated player on the ESPN300 coming out of high school in 2020, Simpson made his mark at Clemson.
Strengths
- Versatile linebacker that can play inside or outside
- Elite linebacker speed and sideline-to-sideline ability
- Great burst when going after the quarterback
- Capable of covering tight ends with significant range
- Explosive off of the snap
- Instinctive when sent on a blitz
Weaknesses
- Would need to add play strength to remain inside at the next level
- Pursuit angles leave some to be desired
- Inconsistencies in coverage play
- Average play recognition and lack of patience
- Must eliminate arm tackling from his arsenal
- His size will limit scheme fit in NFL
- Still developing in the traditional linebacker role
NFL Comparison: Darron Lee
Teams With Need at Position: Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks
Projection: Second Round
Bottom Line on Trenton Simpson:
In a traditional linebacker class without a surefire first-round prospect, Trenton Simpson is among the few with outright star potential. Coming into the 2022 season, Simpson was expected to establish himself atop the draft’s linebacker hierarchy. Instead, as he switched to a definitive role, his production took a dip as flaws in his game were exposed. Nevertheless, between Simpson’s athleticism and versatility, the talent is there to develop. It is just a matter of finding the right role.
At Trenton Simpson’s size, unless he adds bulk to his frame, he does not fit the bill of a traditional inside linebacker. His impatience on pursuit, arm tackling technique, and uninspiring play recognition see his fit best as a weakside linebacker. It will allow him to capitalize on his athleticism, burst off of the line, and range. Regardless, Simpson will need to further develop before he truly reaches his potential.
If not in a position to start and learn right away, Simpson can be a package player early in his career. His range allows him to make an impact in coverage, and he has the size to contest tight ends. Combined with his blitzing ability, defensive coordinators will have a field day moving him around the field. In the right defensive scheme and coaching to develop him, Trenton Simpson can become a true star linebacker in the modern-day NFL.
