I'm trying to learn more about this guy, especially after his 4 sack performance against Wisconsin last week. I took a look at this clip from 2011 becasue I wanted to see how he did against the Wisconsin 2011 OL and Russell Wilson. John Simon doesn't disappoint. What I like is the number of times that he pressures and harasses Wilson, and that isn't easy. I like him, and at first glance I think that he stacks up pretty well against Brandon Jenkins. I could see the Patriots taking this guy- if they can turn Ninkovich into a player, I think that they could certainly do it with Simon. Nonetheless, I'm very intrigued by John Simon as a Dolphins prospect and I think that he would fit in well in Miami. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbWfBBqr_F8
Mentioned him in my post a couple of days ago. He was out against Michigan today but his team won. Short for an idea DE but very active and strong. Was thinking about using one of our second round picks on him but I also think the Pats will take him, probably around 25-31.
He's a bulldog..and fun as hell to watch..His knack to finish is what's stands out about his game, magnet to the ball, and plays the run very well..has more athleticism then it may seem, it's why he finishes so well and closes in the open field.. When it comes to a football player like this, with this kind of character, I think the dolphins have to look strongly at players with this kind of relentlessness, and intelligent work ethic.. As far as a pass rusher and his size...this is where life will get more difficult for him at the next level, and where i understand CK's concerns He's 6'2, so the blocked pass stat will probably be very low ( which is becoming part of the repertoire, more so than luck)..his spin move will be nullified if he doesn't use better technique and quickness, but man, he's just a guy you want on your roster... Bottom line imo, we need to prioritize mentally tough players, he's one of them.
His size will be the biggest issue scouts will take a look at. Not a huge guy by any standards but he is STRONG benched 250 pounds 31 times when he was 16. He came to Ohio St as a DT so he hasn't been playing DE terribly long technique is only going to get better. Simon is not a player that will ever give up so I really like his chances succeeding at the next level.
Size isn't even what I'm worried about with him. He's got long arms, at least in my eyes he does. I think he's got the long reach needed to be successful. My concern is just that he doesn't have the straight ahead speed and explosiveness off the ball to enjoy consistent success rushing the passer at the next level. He's not producing much forward momentum and can't convert it and work off it, speed to power and all that jazz. He's not going to get the inside post leg of an NFL tackle so easy as he did with undisciplined guys in college and he'll find that he can't just run around tackles who move so slow you'd think they're stuck in quick sand. Really nice football player but limited in my eyes. A starter but a two down guy, and not a headliner.
