Yes! Six years ago, J.J. Watt expressed interest in drafting Elijah Simmons, a talented defensive lineman from Tennessee. Now, Simmons is at the NFL Combine, showcasing his skills to scouts.
Six years ago, the NFL Draft was abuzz with rumors and projections about potential standout players. Among the names floating around was Elijah Simmons, a defensive lineman from the University of Tennessee. Simmons, a towering figure on the field with a blend of strength, agility, and explosiveness, was beginning to gain attention from scouts and coaches alike. However, it wasn’t just the general public that saw his potential — one of the NFL’s most accomplished defensive players, J.J. Watt, was also among those who took notice.
Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most respected figures in football at the time, famously expressed his interest in Simmons during a public interview. It was an unexpected moment that caught the attention of the media, as most conversations around the draft focused on the consensus top picks. But J.J. Watt’s praise for Simmons didn’t just stem from the player’s physicality — it spoke to a deeper understanding of the game and the potential Simmons had to become a force in the NFL.
Watt’s admiration for Simmons wasn’t about a singular highlight or a flashy play but rather the raw potential he saw in him as a complete player. For Watt, who had carved out an illustrious career by combining both technique and determination, the idea of adding someone with the same mentality to a defensive line was enticing. He wasn’t the only one, of course. Scouts, coaches, and analysts who paid attention to Tennessee’s defensive line had similarly recognized Simmons’ power and potential, even though he wasn’t yet a household name.
At the time, Simmons was a bit of an underdog in the world of college football. He had a reputation for being a bit rough around the edges, still developing the necessary skills and techniques to fully harness his enormous physical gifts. But like many young players, Simmons showed flashes of brilliance that suggested his ceiling was incredibly high. His size, strength, and mobility were undeniable — but there were still questions about his consistency and the ability to make an immediate impact at the next level.
The Road to the NFL Combine: Elijah Simmons’ Development
From the time J.J. Watt made his comments about Simmons, the young defensive lineman’s journey to the NFL Combine was already in motion. However, the road ahead wasn’t without its challenges. Simmons, like many college athletes, had to deal with the pressures of expectation, constant evaluations, and personal growth as both a player and a person. Over the next few years, he worked tirelessly to develop the techniques that would enable him to make the transition from college football to the NFL.
Simmons’ time at Tennessee wasn’t without its ups and downs. He had moments where he dominated opposing offensive linemen and made game-changing plays, but there were also stretches where he struggled to maintain consistency. Much of that had to do with the high expectations placed on him. As a highly touted recruit, Simmons was constantly being compared to some of the best players in the country. His height and weight were often highlighted — he was a massive presence on the field, but like many players of his size, it sometimes took time to refine the technique necessary to maximize that size.
The development of Simmons as a player was also tied to the coaching he received during his time at Tennessee. Coaches were instrumental in helping him fine-tune his skills. Working on everything from hand placement to footwork, Simmons’ potential began to be realized. He became more consistent with his technique, which in turn allowed him to display his athleticism and speed more effectively. The improvement was noticeable — and by his final year at Tennessee, Simmons was a regular fixture on highlight reels, showcasing his strength, power, and agility in ways that few other players could match.
Still, it wasn’t an easy road. Simmons had to battle through injuries, periods of self-doubt, and the constant comparison to others in his position. But throughout it all, his drive and determination remained constant. He knew that the NFL was his goal, and he was willing to do whatever it took to get there. Whether it was spending extra hours in the weight room or working on his conditioning, Simmons understood that his journey was far from over — it was only just beginning.
By the time the 2025 NFL Combine came around, Simmons had established himself as one of the more intriguing prospects. While his college career wasn’t perfect, the raw talent was undeniable. Teams wanted to see how he would fare in the high-pressure environment of the Combine, where players are put through a grueling set of drills to assess their speed, agility, strength, and overall athleticism. The Combine was the next big test — and for Simmons, it was his chance to prove to NFL scouts, coaches, and decision-makers that he was ready to take the next step.
The NFL Combine: Elijah Simmons Makes His Mark
The NFL Combine is a proving ground, where the best young athletes in the country showcase their talents. For players like Simmons, it represents the culmination of years of hard work. The drills are designed to test everything from speed to strength to mental toughness. The event attracts top-tier scouts and coaches, all eager to see how these young athletes stack up against one another. For players like Simmons, it’s the ultimate test of their readiness for the NFL.
Simmons entered the Combine with a lot to prove. While he was already considered a highly intriguing prospect due to his size and potential, he had to show that he could compete with the best of the best. The Combine would be his opportunity to show off the improvements he’d made in his game — and most importantly, to demonstrate that he was ready to make an impact in the NFL.
Throughout the Combine, Simmons impressed in nearly every area. His strength and explosiveness were immediately evident, as he crushed the bench press and displayed remarkable agility for a man of his size. His footwork was noticeably improved, and his speed was faster than many expected. Simmons also performed well in the 40-yard dash, a critical measure of speed for defensive players. As the drills progressed, it became clear that Simmons had made significant strides in his development, and his Combine performance was only reinforcing the promise that J.J. Watt had seen in him years earlier.
But beyond the numbers, the most important aspect of Simmons’ performance at the Combine was his mentality. Throughout the grueling process, he remained focused and determined, giving 100% effort in every drill. Scouts and coaches took note of his drive, his poise under pressure, and his ability to push himself when the stakes were at their highest. It was this mentality, coupled with his incredible physical gifts, that had the NFL world buzzing.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the NFL Combine concluded, Simmons left the event with his stock on the rise. His performance had given him the opportunity to prove that he was ready for the next step. While his college career had been full of ups and downs, the Combine showed that he had developed into a complete player, one who could be a dominant force at the next level.
In the days following the Combine, teams started to show more interest in Simmons. Interviews with coaches and scouts further confirmed his potential and his desire to succeed at the highest level. He was no longer just a raw talent — he was a player who had proven he had the tools to succeed in the NFL.
As Simmons’ draft day approached, the memories of the moment J.J. Watt had expressed his interest in him all those years ago began to resurface. It was a reminder of the long journey he had taken to get to this point — a journey filled with hard work, sacrifice, and relentless determination. And while Watt’s early praise might have seemed like a bold statement at the time, it was now clear that he had seen something in Simmons that many others might have missed. Simmons had earned his place at the NFL Combine and had shown the world that he was ready for the next chapter in his football career.
In the end, the NFL Combine was just one milestone in what promises to be a long and successful career for Elijah Simmons. But for the young defensive lineman, it was a moment to reflect on how far he had come. And as the NFL Draft loomed, it was clear that Simmons’ potential was undeniable. Whether or not he was selected early in the draft, it was evident that he had a bright future ahead in the NFL — one that would be shaped by the same drive and passion that had gotten him this far.
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