Trenton Simpson Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

School: Clemson (Junior)

Position: LB

HT: 6’3

WT: 230 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #23

Trenton Simpson may be one of the most interesting prospects in the entire class. In recent years, we have seen these hybrid linebackers, who can really move all over the defense, enter the league at a higher frequency. This is the category that Trenton Simpson falls under. While listed as a linebacker, he is not just a linebacker, think of him as a super utility player. Simpson spent his 2021 campaign all over the field in, then Clemson Defensive Coordinator, Will Venables’ defense. You can see Simpson line up as a traditional WILL linebacker, where he can rush the edge, the gaps, or drop back into zone coverage. Simpson also frequently played the role of a Strong Safety, strictly playing coverage. Finally, his last major role was lining up in the slot in man coverage against slot receivers and tight ends. In these roles, Simpson made 2021 his most productive year. However, with a new Defensive Coordinator, Trenton Simpson became more of a traditional WILL linebacker in 2022. While he was still a great defender, it seemed that his skillset wasn’t maximized in the new defensive scheme. When it comes to that skillset, Simpson shows it every week, no matter where he plays. It is said that he has a 40-yard dash right around the high 4.3s to the low 4.4s, and it translates to the football field. He plays with an extremely high motor and is a bullet running towards the ball carrier. While he isn’t as big as the traditional pass rushers in today’s game, his combination of length, explosiveness, and speed make him remarkably effective in that role. This length also contributes to him being a tremendous tackler who does well to wrap up the ball carrier and bring him down. Simpson displays a unique ability to dip, bend, and change direction on a dime. When it comes to coverage ability, it is not the strength of his game, but he is still a contributor in that role. He is a plus defender in the run as well as the pass, and is able to diagnose the play early on.

Simpson has all the tools to be a great player at the next level, but there are some areas to his game that I would consider flaws. As an edge rusher, while he does have great burst and acceleration, he can overrun the play and work too far downfield, creating a free lane for the ball carrier. He also has very active hands, but they are not always steady. Oftentimes, Simpson allows for his hands to move off pads, allowing for linemen to manhandle him at the point of attack and taking him out of the play. I believe that these gadgety linebackers have a role in the NFL but we have yet to see it maximized. Simpson will either have to improve his coverage ability, or put on some muscle mass and commit to being a weakside linebacker with the ability to play coverage when needed.

Scheme Fit: Odd Front Zone Coverage

Ideal Role: Floating LB

Best Team Fits: TB, PIT, PHI

Player Comparison: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Player Grade: 84.7