One of the more popular projections for the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft is probably off the table now. Mississippi State defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons has been discussed as a primary option for the Browns at No. 17 overall, but today’s news that he tore an ACL during pre-draft workouts almost certainly changes that.
Simmons will almost certainly miss the 2019 NFL season. While it’s not unheard of for a team to spend a high pick on a player who will miss his rookie campaign because of a pre-existing injury, it’s a tough sell for a team which still needs an instant impact to achieve the playoff aspirations.
Simmons also has an off-field arrest on his record, which prevented him from being invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in February.
