In the NFL draft, there’s risk that comes with every single pick. Sure, some prospects are “safer” selections than others, but any player can become a bust in the NFL. Teams have to weigh the risk and reward with every selection, which the Los Angeles Rams will have to do at No. 31 overall later this month.
There are certain to be plenty of talented defenders available at that spot, but it remains to be seen who the Rams will target. It could be a safety like Juan Thornhill, or a defensive lineman like Jerry Tillery. One player whose stock is difficult to gauge is Jeffery Simmons from Mississippi State.
The defensive tackle not only tore his ACL in February, but he also comes with character concerns after he was seen hitting a woman a few years ago. Those are two major red flags on his resume, but it’s possible a team takes a chance on him in Round 1.
In Charles Davis of NFL.com’s latest mock draft, the Rams are that team, selecting him 31st overall.
If he hadn’t torn his ACL in February, I doubt he gets out of the top 10. With Ndamukong Suh likely leaving, another partner on the interior for All-World DT Aaron Donald is chosen. The Rams will be happy to wait a bit for him to be 100 percent before turning him loose.
Simmons is viewed as someone the Rams could target in a trade down to Round 2, picking up an extra selection or two in the process. However, taking him in the first round will give the Rams the fifth-year option, which could be more valuable in their eyes because of the uncertainty surrounding Simmons’ rookie season.
Still, selecting him in the first round comes with significant risk. His ceiling is higher than most prospects, though, and he could turn into a future All-Pro next to Aaron Donald.