Tennessee Vols defender labeled by ESPN as one of the biggest 'sleepers' in the 2025 NFL Draft
A former Tennessee Vols defender was labeled by ESPN this week as the one top sleepers in the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN spoke with various college football coaches about who the biggest sleepers in this year's draft are and Volunteers defensive lineman Elijah Simmons was one of the names mentioned. "He's going to be one […]
A former Tennessee Vols defender was labeled by ESPN this week as the one top sleepers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
ESPN spoke with various college football coaches about who the biggest sleepers in this year's draft are and Volunteers defensive lineman Elijah Simmons was one of the names mentioned.
"He's going to be one of those surprise guys," said a Tennessee staff member to ESPN in regards to Simmons. "He's your big stocking stuffer and helps the pass rushers get loose."
From ESPN: Simmons was mostly a rotational player for Tennessee and must overcome concerns about his endurance at the pro level after logging a smaller number of snaps in college. He showcases athletic ability, though, and can be more than a space eater.
Simmons, 6-foot-2/340 lbs from Memphis/Nashville, signed with the Vols as a three-star defensive tackle during the 2019 recruiting cycle.
The Tennessee native, who is quite athletic for his size, totaled 59 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks during his six seasons in Knoxville (which included a redshirt season and his extra COVID season of eligibility).
Simmons profiles as the type of NFL player who doesn't put up gaudy numbers, but finds a way to stay on the field thanks to his ability to clog running lanes.
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