The star defender for the Clemson Tigers football team will be considered for a future first pick.

The Clemson Tigers have long been a powerhouse in college football, known for producing some of the top talent in the NFL. The school has consistently churned out elite prospects, particularly on defense, with players like DeAndre Hopkins, C.J. Spiller, and Shaq Lawson going on to make an impact at the professional level. As the 2025 NFL Draft looms on the horizon, the Clemson Tigers are again poised to contribute a future first-round pick to the league, and this time, it is a star defender who has been garnering widespread attention.

Clemson’s defense has been a consistent force in college football for years, often playing a pivotal role in the team’s success on the field. In recent seasons, the Tigers have been led by dynamic defensive players who have the ability to change the game with their playmaking ability, athleticism, and leadership. Among the standout defensive players for the 2024 season is a name that has become synonymous with greatness: Trenton Simpson.

Simpson, a linebacker who has made waves across college football, is being heralded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ makes him a rare talent, and scouts are already salivating at the prospect of adding him to their roster. There is no doubt that, barring any unforeseen developments, Simpson will be considered a strong candidate to be selected in the first round, possibly even as the first defensive player off the board.

In this article, we dive into the exceptional abilities of Trenton Simpson, exploring how his performance at Clemson has propelled him to the forefront of draft discussions and why he is being regarded as a future first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Trenton Simpson’s Background and Rise to Prominence

Born and raised in Alabama, Simpson was highly touted throughout his high school years for his athleticism and leadership on the field. After initially committing to Clemson over other top programs, Simpson arrived on campus as one of the most highly anticipated recruits in the nation. From the moment he stepped on the field for the Tigers, it was clear that he was destined for greatness.

Simpson quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup and became a key contributor to Clemson’s defense. His natural ability to read offenses, coupled with his relentless pursuit of the ball carrier, made him an immediate force in college football. As a freshman, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, and by his sophomore year, he had firmly established himself as one of the top linebackers in the country. However, it wasn’t just his physical tools that set him apart—Simpson’s mental acumen on the field was equally impressive.

By the time the 2024 season rolled around, Trenton Simpson had fully blossomed into one of the most dominant defensive players in college football. His combination of size (6’3”, 230 lbs), speed, and football IQ gave him the ability to impact games in a variety of ways. Whether he was making crucial tackles, disrupting passing lanes, or taking on blockers, Simpson’s presence was felt on every play. His consistency and versatility were critical to the Tigers’ success, and he had become the anchor of their defense.

Simpson’s Skills and Attributes

What sets Trenton Simpson apart from many other top defensive prospects is his combination of physical traits and mental prowess. His skill set is tailor-made for today’s NFL, where fast and versatile defenders are at a premium. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key attributes that make Simpson an elite prospect and why he is being considered for a future first-round selection:

1. Elite Athleticism

Simpson’s athleticism is one of his standout features. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 230 pounds, he has the ideal frame for a linebacker in the NFL. His combination of size and speed is what truly sets him apart from other players at his position. He can cover a vast amount of ground on the field, whether it’s rushing the passer, covering tight ends or running backs in the passing game, or tracking down ball carriers in open space.

Simpson’s speed allows him to close gaps quickly, and his agility enables him to maneuver around blockers or avoid direct contact when necessary. This ability to make plays in both pursuit and coverage has caught the attention of NFL scouts, who view Simpson as a player who can excel in multiple roles on defense. His speed and athleticism make him an asset in a variety of defensive schemes, whether it’s a 3-4 or 4-3 alignment.

2. Football IQ

While Simpson’s physical gifts are certainly impressive, it is his mental approach to the game that truly elevates his play. His ability to read offenses, recognize plays before they develop, and diagnose routes or gaps has made him one of the smartest linebackers in the country. Whether in pass coverage or against the run, Simpson’s football IQ allows him to make split-second decisions that often result in big plays for the defense.

Simpson is known for his ability to anticipate the ball’s location, putting him in position to make crucial stops or even force turnovers. His awareness and recognition of offensive schemes allow him to step into passing lanes, disrupt plays before they develop, or quickly close gaps when the ball is handed off to the running back. His instinctual play is one of the reasons why he has been such an impactful player for Clemson and why he is considered a future first-round pick.

3. Tackling Ability and Physicality

In addition to his mental acuity, Simpson is an extremely physical player. He has no problem stepping up and taking on blockers or delivering hard hits to ball carriers. His tackling ability is one of his greatest strengths, as he has demonstrated the capacity to bring down ball carriers with both power and precision.

Simpson’s strength allows him to shed blockers quickly and make plays in the backfield, whether it’s stopping the run or rushing the quarterback. His physicality makes him a force against the run, and he has shown the ability to disengage from blockers to make tackles for loss. NFL teams value linebackers who can contribute in all phases of the game, and Simpson’s ability to bring both intelligence and toughness to the table makes him a complete prospect.

4. Pass Coverage and Versatility

As the NFL becomes more of a passing league, having linebackers who can cover tight ends, running backs, or even wide receivers is crucial. This is where Simpson’s versatility shines. His ability to cover in pass defense is one of the reasons why he is so highly regarded by scouts. He has the agility and speed to stay with faster players in the open field, while also being able to engage with tight ends or running backs coming out of the backfield.

Simpson’s coverage skills are a key asset to any NFL defense, and his ability to contribute in pass coverage is something that teams will look for when evaluating him in the draft. His versatility to play both in coverage and in the box against the run makes him a perfect fit for multiple defensive schemes, whether it’s as an off-ball linebacker or even a pass-rushing linebacker.

Simpson’s Impact at Clemson

Trenton Simpson’s impact on the Clemson Tigers cannot be understated. He has been a cornerstone of their defense over the past few seasons, leading the team in tackles, forced fumbles, and sacks. His leadership and energy on the field have been critical in helping Clemson maintain one of the most formidable defenses in the country.

In 2024, Simpson’s playmaking ability reached new heights. He was a key contributor in several of Clemson’s biggest games, including their matchup against top ACC rivals. His ability to step up in clutch moments, including forced turnovers and critical tackles, helped the Tigers maintain their competitive edge in the ACC. Simpson’s relentless style of play is contagious, as his teammates feed off his energy and confidence.

Statistical Breakdown (2024 Season)

• Tackles: 103 total tackles (12 tackles for loss)
• Sacks: 6 sacks
• Interceptions: 2 interceptions
• Forced Fumbles: 3 forced fumbles
• Passes Defended: 5 passes defended

These statistics show just how versatile and impactful Simpson has been for Clemson. His ability to rack up tackles, disrupt passing lanes, and generate pressure on the quarterback speaks to his well-rounded skill set. Whether it was against the run or in coverage, Simpson demonstrated that he could handle any responsibility thrown his way.

Why Simpson Will Be Considered for a Future First Pick

Simpson’s skill set is perfectly suited for the modern NFL, where linebackers who can contribute in all areas of the game are in high demand. His ability to read offenses, diagnose plays, and impact both the passing and running games makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking to upgrade their defense. Moreover, his athleticism, size, and versatility make him an ideal fit for multiple defensive schemes.

The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to feature several talented defensive players, but Simpson stands out due to his well-rounded game. Teams that are looking to improve their defense, especially those that run 3-4 schemes or need a linebacker who can cover and rush the passer, will have Simpson near the top of their boards. He is expected to be one of the first defenders selected, and there is a real possibility that he could be a top-five pick in the draft.

 A Bright Future Ahead for Trenton Simpson

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, all eyes will be on Trenton Simpson, the star linebacker from Clemson. His exceptional athleticism, football IQ, tackling ability, and versatility have placed him in the conversation as one of the top defensive prospects in the draft. With his leadership and playmaking ability, Simpson has proven to be one of the most dynamic players in college football, and his future in the NFL looks incredibly bright.

Whether he is selected in the top 10 or becomes the first defensive player taken, Simpson’s journey to the NFL is just beginning. He has the skills to make an immediate impact at the next level, and whichever team selects him will be adding one of the premier defenders in the country to their roster. Trenton Simpson is ready for the next chapter in his career, and the future of the NFL will undoubtedly be watching him closely.