With The First Pick
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2020 NFL Draft: Prospect Studs and Duds After Week One

By Chris Ross

IOWA CITY, IOWA- AUGUST 31: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes puts pressure in the first half on quaterback Brett Gabbert #5 of the Miami Ohio RedHawks on August 31, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- AUGUST 31: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes puts pressure in the first half on quaterback Brett Gabbert #5 of the Miami Ohio RedHawks on August 31, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers reacts against the Alabama Crimson Tide 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) /

Stud: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Moving to a linebacker position after previously playing safety for Clemson, Isaiah Simmons immediately looked comfortable in his new spot. Against a new-look Georgia Tech offense, Simmons was unstoppable, racking up 10 tackles while providing quality play when asked to step into coverage. In the NFL, linebackers have to be able to make plays from sideline-to-sideline, and Simmons showed that ability throughout the game. Georgia Tech was simply unable to deal with his athleticism, and it showed on almost every play.

It’s not often that players can make seamless transitions from one position to another, but then again, Simmons isn’t like other players. On a Clemson defense that just lost five players to the NFL, Simmons was not only asked to switch positions but to also become a leader for this young defense. Nobody would have blamed him if he looked overwhelmed for the first weeks of the season as he adjusted, but instead, Simmons simply came out and dominated.

As the season wears on, it will be interesting to see if Simmons can continue playing at such a high level. Playing a more physical position, it is crucial to Simmon’s NFL future for him to show he can handle the rigors of playing linebacker. That said, this is a rare player that fits what the league wants as somebody who can play both the run and effectively cover running backs and tight ends. As long as he stays healthy, Simmons should only improve on what was an incredible first effort.

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