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Jordan Simone, S, Arizona State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jonathan Gross

Sep 18, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; New Mexico Lobos quarterback Lamar Jordan (13) is tackled by Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Jordan Simone (38) during the second half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; New Mexico Lobos quarterback Lamar Jordan (13) is tackled by Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Jordan Simone (38) during the second half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Every few years, there are stories of walk-ons, with cards stacked against them, contributing to their teams in someway, garnering some attention for both the player and the school. In some circumstances, those walk-ons become stars.

Jordan Simone is one of those rare athletes that went from paying to attend school to one of the top players in the country. Simone’s determination, as well as skill, has front offices putting his name on their draft boards.

Measurables

Height: 6′

Weight: 195 lbs.

40-yard dash: 4.58

Strengths

Simone is extremely productive, leading his team in tackles per game in 2014 (8.3) and 2015 (9.1). He also picked off four passes, deflected eight balls, recovered two and forced one fumble. He put up these numbers playing in only 22 games, starting 21 of those.

Take a look at the above video. A few things stand out: his ability to sniff out the ball carrier, make tackles in space, and shed blocks. Considering that Simone played in the PAC-12, where offenses look to create open field for their receivers, Simone did an incredible job finding the ball.

Simone possesses the intangibles too. Anyone who can go from a walk-on to a star is a relentless worker, something NFL teams love to have. He was also a team captain as a senior.

Weaknesses

The star safety does not have many weaknesses. He plays a complete game with a relentless attitude, both on and off the field. Nonetheless, Simone is a little undersized and not as athletic as higher-rated safeties.

Something to note is that Simone suffered a knee injury against Washington ten games into the 2015 campaign, ending his season. Rehab is reportedly going as planned.

Outlook

Jordan Simone is one of the more overlooked prospects in the draft. His injury may be a red flag for some front offices, but it should not affect a player who has been through so much.  The 2015 Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist projects to have a successful career at the next level.

Expect Simone to be taken in the sixth round, but he could fall out of the draft if teams look too much into his injury. No matter when he is drafted, the walk-on turned star will play with a chip on his shoulder.

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