2019 NFL draft: DL Jeffery Simmons suffers knee injury during training

ESPN NFL reporter is reporting former Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons suffered what is believed to be a torn ACL while he was training for the 2019 NFL draft. Simmons is projected to be a first-round pick but this injury could have a serious impact on his draft status.

From @mortreport and me: Mississippi St. DT Jeffery Simmons, projected to be a top 15-pick in April, suffered a knee injury during training that is thought to be a torn ACL, per league sources. A statement to offer clarity on Simmons' injury is expected to be released today.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 12, 2019

This injury is significant to the Pittsburgh Steelers on multiple levels. First, if Simmons does have a torn ACL it shuffles the first 20 picks of the first round. Removing him from the mix just removes another potential player who might fall to the Steelers.

But if Simmons does fall out of the round he could end up being a great sleeper pick for the Steelers later on. Pittsburgh can never have enough explosive five-technique ends and Simmons is one of the very best athletic big men in the entire draft.