Simmons is a natural knee-bender with functional athleticism and surprising pass protection feel for a player who climbed from DII to the SEC in five years. His pad level and foot quickness give him a real chance to stick as an interior lineman at the next level, but sub-33-inch arms and one year of Power 4 tape — in which he lost his starting job to a true freshman after injury — leave more questions than answers. The FCS-to-SEC transition showed both the tools and the limitations: he can handle basic pass sets with clean technique but gets exposed by elite speed-to-power conversion at the point of attack. He's a Day 3 dart throw with guard conversion upside and a floor as an experienced swing backup.
- Natural knee bender with excellent pad level in pass protection — plays with a low center of gravity
- Proven versatility across LT, RT, and RG, with experience at all three positions in college
- Outstanding pass protection numbers at the FCS level — 1 sack allowed in 947 career pass-blocking assignments
- Quick learner who adapted rapidly to SEC-level system — coaches praised his ability to absorb new scheme concepts
- Sufficient lateral agility to reach the second level as a run blocker and connect with linebackers in space
- Sub-33-inch arms create a significant length disadvantage against NFL-caliber edge rushers — limits his ability to establish control at the point of attack
- Only one year of Power 4 competition, and lost his starting role to a true freshman (Fodje) after injury — raises questions about NFL-caliber ceiling
- Injury concerns: missed significant time in 2023 (ACL at Western Carolina) and multiple games at Oklahoma in 2025 due to various injuries
- Run blocking grade notably trails pass blocking — PFF 74.4 run blocking vs. 82.3 pass blocking at FCS level suggests limitations as a drive blocker
Similar profile — undersized tackle with good feet and technique who made the leap from a small school, projects best as a swing tackle or guard conversion at the NFL level. Adequate pass protector but lacks the length and power to be a long-term starter outside.