
Right now, there are no linebacker prospects projected to be taken in the top 5. However, there is always a possibility that could change. In fact, Isaiah Simmons out of Clemson has recently started surging up the draft rankings.
https://twitter.com/theACCDN/status/1189987906368294914
The video above from @theACCDN detailing his skill set to the backdrop of praise from his coach, Dabo Sweeney, should have Bengals fans dreaming. Sweeney even goes so far to say that he could legitimately play safety, an attribute that would go a long way in the Bengals finding a solution to covering running backs and tight ends.
The hybrid linebacker position has become one of the most important in the NFL in recent years. It’s also something the Bengals have been lacking. Simmons shouldn’t be nearly as athletic as he is at his size, which gives him the potential to fill that role.
He’ll be a top performer at the combine with his mixture of speed, size, and agility. There are even rumors swirling that he can run a sub 4.4 40 yard dash at 230 pounds. If that truly is the case, he may be too tempting for the Bengals to pass up. Simmons becomes an even more likely option if the Bengals begin to fall down the draft order or decide to trade back and acquire more picks.