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2019 NFL Draft: 3 players affected by new Scouting Combine rules

By Sayre Bedinger

FRISCO, TX - DECEMBER 20: Jaylon Ferguson #45 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the 2017 DXL Frisco Bowl on December 20, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
FRISCO, TX - DECEMBER 20: Jaylon Ferguson #45 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the 2017 DXL Frisco Bowl on December 20, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 21: Stephen Johnson #15 of the Kentucky Wildcats throws a pass as Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tries to defend during the first half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 21: Stephen Johnson #15 of the Kentucky Wildcats throws a pass as Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tries to defend during the first half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

1. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

Jeffery Simmons is not being allowed to work on-field drills at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine because of an incident that happened before he even got to Mississippi State.

He was the Bulldogs’ top signee in their 2016 recruiting class when he was arrested for simple assault, getting involved in a fist-fight that started between his sister and another adult woman.

Simmons was caught on video punching the woman, apparently in defense of his sister.

He still played 12 games for Mississippi State as a true freshman in 2016, and established himself as one of the best defensive players in the SEC by 2017.

By 2018, he had solidified himself as a top 10 NFL Draft prospect, and was well on his way to being selected there (despite the off-field issues) before tearing his ACL in pre-draft workouts.

Simmons’ injury now makes his presence at the Combine doubly important. Not only will teams be able to get a feel for the type of person he is, but all 32 teams will have access and clear information about his medical situation, allowing them to make a much more educated decision when it comes to drafting him.

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