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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Dave Simmons () - 1965 NFL Draft Pick #26 by STL

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Dave Simmons (1965 NFL Draft)

Position: Linebacker
College: University of Alabama

Overview:

Dave Simmons emerged as one of the standout defensive players in college football during his time at Alabama. His impressive combination of size, speed, and football intelligence made him a coveted prospect leading into the 1965 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

  • Physical Attributes: Standing at 6'2" and weighing around 230 pounds, Simmons possesses the ideal size for a linebacker.
  • Speed and Agility: Known for his quickness and ability to cover ground, he can sidestep blockers and pursue ball carriers effectively.
  • Football IQ: Simmons has a keen understanding of defensive schemes and is adept at reading offenses, allowing him to anticipate plays.
  • Leadership: Demonstrated leadership qualities on and off the field, serving as a key motivator for his teammates.

Weaknesses:

  • Injury History: There were concerns about his durability, as he had a couple of minor injuries during his college career.
  • Pass Coverage Skills: While strong against the run, his pass coverage skills were seen as an area for improvement, which could limit his effectiveness in certain defensive schemes.

Projected Draft Position:

Dave Simmons was projected to be selected in the 1st to 3rd round of the 1965 NFL Draft, with many teams showing interest in bolstering their linebacker corps with his talents.

Conclusion:

Dave Simmons was viewed as a promising linebacker with the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level. His physicality and mental acumen positioned him as one of the top defensive prospects in the 1965 NFL Draft.