Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons will forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility in order to enter the 2019 NFL draft, as Simmons announced on Twitter.
Simmons, who stands 6’4″, 300 pounds, appeared in 37 total games in his three-year career with the Bulldogs, managing 159 tackles (30.5 for loss), six sacks, and five forced fumbles during that time. He was named first-team All-SEC in both 2017 and 2018, and this season won the Conerly Trophy as the top college football player in the state of Mississippi.
Simmons is widely expected to become an early first-round selection, and CBSSports.com ranks him as the draft’s No. 7 overall prospect. From a scouting report perspective, The Draft Network says Simmons has effective hand usage and a “hot motor,” but “lacks a consistent anchor” and struggles with two-gap responsibilities.
Talent aside, Simmons has an off-field red flag on his record, as he was arrested for simple assault in 2016 after repeatedly striking a woman. The incident — during which Simmons says he was attempting to stop said woman from assaulting his sister — occurred the spring before Simmons began his collegiate career, but he was allowed to enter MSU while completing counseling programs.