Assessing Redskins first-round options: Clemson DEF Isaiah Simmons

Should the Redskins pick Isaiah Simmons?

A month ago, the answer to this question was simple: “The Redskins should pick Isaiah Simmons if they can trade back to No. 5 and acquire him in tangent with more draft picks.”

After Simmons’ NFL Combine performance, it’s not a lock that he makes it to No. 5. He still could, given the inflation of quarterback value and the presence of Chase Young and other blue-chip prospects in the trenches. But the discussion is slowly morphing from “Chase Young vs. Isaiah Simmons and picks” to simply “Chase Young vs. Isaiah Simmons.”

In the Young vs. Simmons debate, I’m still inclined to pick Young, even after watching Simmons’ tape. That’s not a knock on Simmons, as both players are near-transcendent prospects at their respective positions, and Simmons arguably has more potential in the right situation. But Simmons, despite his versatility, might be easier to scheme around.

That’s not the fault of Simmons, but instead of his player type; it’s natural for the play to sometimes get away from players in the second and third levels. Chase Young, meanwhile, plays a role that directly and immediately impacts the offense on every down, whether it’s rushing the passer, or sealing the edge in run defense. Young has a more impactful, more concrete role in a traditional defense, and he generated more impact per play on tape. Given the questions around finding the right fit for Simmons, that aspect makes me give the edge to Young. But it’s a small edge, at that.

Isaiah Simmons can be the best defensive prospect to leave this draft class, but that’s up to the team that picks him. Simmons will need to be insulated by creativity from his defensive coordinator to maximize his impact. It speaks to the completeness of Simmons’ profile, that the one issue he faces is beyond his control. But when the No. 2 pick is in play, that alone can be enough to tip the scales.