Ourlads' Profile:
2023 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about TRENTON SIMPSON:
Clemson | H: 6030 W: 235 40: 4.43 A: 3238 H: 1014 W: 7712
Junior entry, two year starter, Charlotte, NC. Second team All-ACC in 2021, third team in 2022. Versatile prospect who has mainly split his time between overhang and in the box linebacker. Has also been used on the edge and occasionally as a rover safety. There are comparisons to Isaiah Simmons but Simpson is a true linebacker who plays multiple roles. Hyper athletic he is best in space showing excellent lateral agility and speed to chase. Avoids blocks working downhill and to the alley, rarely gives a blocker a clean shot. He plays with knee bend and takes on blocks with a quick stun with his hands to separate and shed. Turns his quickness into power working through blocks. Has been effective as an edge blitzer with a sudden first step and a closing burst on the quarterback. Quick to attack the edge or fire an inside gap. Adjusts to quarterback’s movement in the pocket and has the speed to chase down a mobile quarterback. Solid tackling skills he explodes into tackles and makes plays in space. Excellent cover skills he can cover tight ends and slot receivers up the field and can mirror route breaks. As a zone defender, processes route combinations and finds the throwing lane under intermediate routes. He is not the strongest take-on guy and an athletic climbing lineman can give him problems. Will be looked at as a three down starter at Will in the NFL with the flexibility to play outside the box in situations. His experience in the box is somewhat limited so there will be a learning curve. His instincts when playing inside are inconsistent and he is vulnerable taking on big linemen at this point. There will be some development needed for a full time NFL role.
2022 Stats: 72 T, 4 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 3 PBU, 5 QBH, 2 FF. Edge speed:left 2.33, right 2.09. OSR:4/43. 1st/2nd round.