How a third-round draft pick became an NFL's highest-graded safety
In short: Justin Simmons entered the NFL as a third-round selection, but his trajectory defied early projections. After proving his elite athleticism at the Combine, he transitioned from a backup to a cornerstone of the Denver Broncos defense, eventually earning accolades as one of the league's premier defensive players.
Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round (98th overall) in 2016, Simmons arrived with significant physical pedigree. During the NFL Scouting Combine, he recorded a 3.85s 20-yard shuttle—the fastest since 2006—and tied for the best 60-yard shuttle time since 2014. Despite these metrics, scouts were divided; while some ranked him as the fourth best free safety prospect, others placed him sixth.
His ascent within the Broncos organization was marked by versatility and rapid impact. After starting his rookie season primarily as a backup, he earned a starting role in 2017, recording a 65-yard touchdown return. By 2019, his dominance was statistically undeniable; Pro Football Focus ranked him as the highest-graded safety in the NFL with an overall grade of 90.8, a feat that earned him a second-team All-Pro selection.
Simmons' tenure in Denver was defined by consistent elite production and high-stakes contracts. After recording a personal best of five interceptions during 2020, he earned the 45th position in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021 as voted by his colleagues. His value was reflected in a massive four-year, $61.00 million contract extension signed in 2021, which included $35.00 million in total guarantees.
Over nine seasons, Simmons established himself as a premier defensive presence, accumulating multiple Pro Bowl nods and All-Pro honors. His ability to adapt from a communication major at Boston College to a cornerstone of an NFL defense highlights a career built on both physical exceptionalism and tactical intelligence.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Justin Simmons (American football)
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