One player already turning heads among NFL scouts is Colin Simmons.
After entering college as a five-star recruit, Simmons has delivered back-to-back elite seasons at Texas Longhorns football. As a freshman, he earned the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year Award after leading the team with nine sacks. He followed that up by taking another step forward, leading the SEC with 12 sacks while forcing three fumbles. If he stays on this trajectory, a top-10 selection in the 2027 NFL Draft is well within reach.
What makes Simmons special
What makes Simmons special comes down to three traits. First is his explosion off the ball, which consistently allows him to beat offensive tackles at the snap. Second is his agility. He can bend and turn the corner with ease, making him extremely difficult to block. Third is his strength, which stands out even at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds and allows him to hold up better than most edge defenders with a similar frame.
The biggest question at the next level is schematic fit. At 245 pounds, he is undersized for a traditional 4-3 defensive end, which raises concerns about whether he can consistently hold the edge against NFL offensive linemen. On the flip side, transitioning to an outside linebacker role in a 4-3 front is not a perfect solution either, as he has limited experience in coverage and will need to develop his awareness in space. Easily his best position at the next level will be as an on-ball linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
Still, the bottom line is simple. Simmons knows how to get to the quarterback. Regardless of scheme, that skill translates, and it should make him an impact player at the next level for years to come.