Redskins: Five biggest risers from the 2020 NFL Combine
By Ian Cummings
No. 1 – Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons
There’s no dispute as to who the top riser at the 2020 NFL Combine was. It was Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons, a linebacker by label who has the athleticism and size to be so much more.
Simmons’ numbers, in relation to his 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame, were eye-popping, as the productive defender logged a 4.39 40-yard dash, a 39-inch vertical, and a 132-inch broad jump. Simmons’ quantified athleticism matches up with the tape, on which he can be seen playing a various allotment of roles.
Teams knew Simmons had very rare, scheme-transcendent upside heading into the NFL Combine, but now that his traits have numbers to go along with them, Simmons can be compared to past prospects, and it’s a comparison that bodes well for his stock. Unfortunately for the Redskins, Simmons may no longer be a trade-down candidate if they go past pick No. 5. The debate between Chase Young and a trade down for Simmons may ultimately become a debate between Young and Simmons themselves.
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For now, Young still takes the trophy, as his impact-per-play on tape is unmatched, and he has outstanding positional athleticism as well. But if the Redskins prefer to supplement the linebacking core, and add a player who can flourish both on the second and third levels of the defense, Simmons might be the best athletic prospect of the decade even ten years from now.
Honorable Mentions: Oklahoma LB Kenneth Murray, Mississippi State LB Willie Gay