John

Simpson

The Ravens desperately needed to upgrade their interior line this offseason and made a big step in doing so with the addition of Simpson. Simpson, who was a part of the Ravens’ 2023 squad, has played in and started all 17 regular-season games each of the last three years while playing exclusively at left guard. He earned a PFF grade of 56.9 last season.

Gardner has been dealing with this injury for at least 10 days. His absence could simply be precautionary, but his status is worth following for matchup purposes. The Jets host the Steelers in Week 1. ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes QB Tyrod Taylor (knee) and G John Simpson (presumably back) are also absent.

The Jets were already down Alijah Vera-Tucker with injury, and now are without his backup it appears. Alec Lindstrom has taken over to help in the interior.

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the deal is worth “up to” $18 million. Drafted in the fourth round by the Raiders in 2020, Simpson was primarily a backup during his three years in Vegas, only serving as a full-time starter once. The Ravens then scooped him up on a one-year deal and got 17 starts from him. Though he is far from a premier option at the position, Simpson is a solid addition for a Jets squad that has had horrendous injury luck along their offensive line in recent years.

Simpson (6’4/321) was a two-year starting guard at Clemson who earned first-team All-American honors as a senior. His physical profile is intriguing. He has a thick frame and long arms, which makes him a quality run blocker and gives him upside as a pass protector. He was occasionally beat by quicker rushers because he has below-average agility, but he’s very strong (31 bench reps) and can move well when asked to pull. Simpson won’t be a high-level pass-blocker, but he has the size, strength, and straight-line athleticism to be a starter down the road, particularly in a run-heavy offense.

The Raiders gave up picks 121 and 172 to come up to this spot. Simpson (6’4/321) was a two-year starting guard at Clemson who earned first-team All-American honors as a senior. His physical profile is intriguing. He has a thick frame and long arms, which makes him a quality run blocker and gives him upside as a pass protector. He was occasionally beat by quicker rushers because he has below-average agility, but he’s very strong (31 bench reps) and can move well when asked to pull. Simpson won’t be a high-level pass-blocker, but he has the size, strength, and straight-line athleticism to be a starter down the road, particularly in a run-heavy offense.

Simpson (6'4/321) was one of the last players to have a chance at a pro day, as sports writ large would shut down altogether the following week due to the coronavirus. The Bucs checked in with him and Ledyard additionally relays that the Steelers, Bills and Giants likewise met up with the Clemson standout in this period. Simpson, who secured second-team AP All-American honors in 2019, profiles as a probable Day 2 selection for the draft.

Simpson (6'4/321) accrued the third-most bench reps amongst offensive lineman at the combine and one of only four OL to eclipse the 30+ reps mark. The second-team Associated Press All-American G is billed as having an NFL frame with the tools to develop into a starter in relatively short order. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein bestowed a solid 6.39 grade on the massive Simpson who projects to be the first Clemson OL to be selected in the NFL Draft over last five years.

Simpson (6'5/330) is an imposing figure on the offensive line, and he spent the last two seasons serving as Clemson’s starting left guard. While there’s some work to be done with regard to his technique, the former Tiger brings power as a run blocker and is also effective (generally speaking) in pass pro. But there’s a lot more to Simpson than his physical ability. “His intelligence and genuine intangibles are both strong selling points and made him a steadying presence on the interior of Clemson’s line and in the locker room,” Brugler wrote. Clemson has not had an offensive lineman selected in the first 90 picks of an NFL Draft since 1979, but Simpson could be the one who changes that.

Given the success that Clemson has enjoyed in recent years under HC Dabo Swinney, the fact that it’s been five years since an offensive lineman has heard his name called in the draft is mind-blowing. But Nagy, like many draft analysts, expects that dry spell to come to an end next spring with senior guards John Simpson (6'4/330) and Gage Cervenka being the reasons why. Simpson was given a third round grade by draft analyst Tony Pauline last month, and last season he was a third team all-ACC selection.