AFC West: The most underrated player on every team
Scouting Report. Denver Broncos. player. 45. Pick Analysis. S. Justin Simmons. 31
via Joel Deering
After ranking 20th in the league in passing yards allowed last season, the Broncos’ secondary isn’t getting a whole lot of love. With that being said, one player in their secondary can’t be blamed.
Justin Simmons typically doesn’t come to mind when it comes to the top safeties in the league, but his numbers show otherwise. Of all defensive backs in the league, Simmons ranked ninth in total tackles last season (97). His tackles ranked higher than guys like Landon Collins, Kevin Byard and Harrison Smith.
Simmons proved last season that he can fly around the field and make plays on the ball wherever it goes, but it wasn’t just his tackling that was impressive. His 97 total tackles went along with seven pass deflections and three interceptions.
Entering his fourth season in the NFL, Simmons now has Vic Fangio as his head coach. Fangio led the Chicago Bears to the best points per game average in the league last year. He specializes in defense, which should only help Simmons improve. Fangio will love having a guy like Simmons, who is now entering his prime.
Simmons has improved every season so far. His 97 tackles last season almost topped his total tackles from his first two seasons (98).With a coach like Fangio, he’s going to find a way to get Simmons around the ball as much as possible.
With a nose for the ball, Simmons will likely see another significant jump in stats this coming season. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Simmons in the next Pro Bowl. He may not be a household name at the position right now, but a lot more people will know his name after 2019.
Simmons is set to make a huge impact on the Broncos’ defense.