August Surprise
We wanted to get this sooner, but if there was a player who surprised people during training camp, it is converted defensive tackle Derek Simmons.
He showed such natural tendencies at offensive guard that he might be starting today if he made the move last year. An NFL scout who watched him at practice one day said Simmons already looked like a pro prospect.
I never really heard much about the guy, but his scout profile looks good:
http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=1873702
With his motor, smarts, and athletic ability, Derek is an awesome addition to the o-line. To bad for Thomas Herring, though.....be interested to find out what's holding him back.
Scott: Great insider note. Did Ruel, Holt, Caesar or anyone else see something in Simmons to think he'd be a hit as an OL?
It's interesting that Simmons and Parsons came in together to be the future at the DT position and now both are OG prospects. It shows that the staff has a good eye for athletes and guys with football talent.