2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Colin Simmons, edge, Texas

Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans and give them ideas of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Background Info

Listed at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds
Duncanville High School graduate
Communication & Leadership major
2025 Second-Team All-American
2025 Coaches’ All-SEC First Team selection
2024 Shawn Alexander National Freshman of the Year
Freshman All-American selection by ESPN, FWAA, PFF, and The Athletic
Former five-star recruit and one of the nation’s top EDGE prospects coming out of high school

Notable career stats heading into 2026

2 consecutive seasons with at least 9 sacks
Freshman of the Year winner in 2024

Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026

84.3 defensive grade in 2025
91.7 pass-rush grade in 2025
90.0 pass-rush grade in 2024
105 pressures in his first two collegiate seasons

Strengths

Elite first-step quickness
Outstanding twitch and explosiveness
Excellent leverage understanding
Can play EDGE or linebacker alignments
Disciplined player who keeps his eyes up
Does not consistently overpursue
Handles double teams well
Anchors effectively against the run
Strong finisher as a tackler
Functional versatility within the defense
High-level pass-rush production

Player Summary

Colin Simmons enters the 2026 season as one of the premier defensive players in college football. Through only two collegiate seasons, he has already produced 105 pressures, 19 sacks, and six forced fumbles while earning Freshman of the Year honors and leading the SEC in sacks during his sophomore campaign. The production alone places him among the top edge defenders in the country.

The film quickly explains why. Simmons is an explosive athlete whose first-step quickness stands out immediately. He plays with exceptional twitch and acceleration while maintaining discipline throughout the rep. Rather than relying solely on athleticism, he combines his physical tools with effective hand use and a strong understanding of leverage. His ability to attack blockers with a well-timed inside stab consistently creates advantageous positioning and allows him to penetrate the pocket.

Texas has also utilized Simmons in multiple alignments, including traditional edge-rushing roles and linebacker responsibilities. Despite his youth, he displays strong football intelligence, keeping his eyes up, processing information quickly, and avoiding many of the mistakes that often accompany highly aggressive pass rushers. His awareness shows up against option concepts, run fits, and while working through traffic.

Against the run, Simmons holds his own at the point of attack and battles through double teams without being overwhelmed. Once he gets his hands on a ball carrier, the play is usually over. He tackles with physicality and intent, using his frame to wrap up and finish.

There are still areas of his game that can continue to develop, particularly as a pass rusher, refining counters and pursuing plays away from his immediate area. However, those are the types of improvements expected from a player entering only his third collegiate season. Simmons already possesses the athletic traits, production, and football intelligence that make him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft conversation.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report on Texas’ Colin Simmons

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