Jaylin Simpson: 2024 NFL Draft profile and projection
Auburn is a Top-20 all-time college program in terms of producing draft picks into the NFL. According to DraftHistory.com., the Tigers have 295 all-time draft picks, which ranks No. 19 among all programs.
Auburn hopes to add to that total in the 2024 NFL Draft. There a handful of players that should hear their name called. Auburn Live will profile the top candidates to be drafted leading into the draft that is upcoming on April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan.
Jaylin Simpson
Simpson tallied 116 tackles, four tackles for loss and seven interceptions during his five years at Auburn. Simpson started at cornerback before moving to safety full time his last two seasons. He racked up four picks during the 2023 season, climbing up the draft boards in the process.
Pro Football Focus graded Simpson as the No. 14 overall safety in college football last season when it comes to coverage ability. Simpson was named second-team All-SEC following last season.
Simpson attended the NFL Combine and put up some nice scores. He ran a 4.45 40-yard dash and jumped 39.5″ in the vertical jump. He measured 6-foot and 179 pounds.
Here’s what NFL.com says about Simpson:
Long defensive back with speed, athleticism and ball skills that might have teams posting him in the cornerback column instead of at safety. Simpson has started at both positions but might be caught between the two. He doesn’t support the run well enough to instill confidence as a last line of defense and he can be a little tardy to get his hips flipped in one-on-one transitions as a corner. Simpson does pedal and match receivers in space, balancing his eyes between route progressions and the quarterback as a high safety. He also contests catches with good success. He’s a good football player with explosive traits, but teams will need to have a plan for how to use him.
Draft projection: Rounds 4-5
