One Underrated Draft Prospect The Detroit Lions Should Consider
The Detroit Lions are steadily building a competitive roster after years of underperformance, and with the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, general manager Brad Holmes and the coaching staff are looking for players who can complement the already impressive roster. While the Lions hold a solid foundation at key positions, they still need to address several areas of concern to take that next step into championship contention. Every draft offers an opportunity to find hidden gems who could provide immediate impact or valuable depth. In this article, we’ll discuss one underrated draft prospect the Lions should consider: Trenton Simpson, a linebacker out of Clemson University.
Why Linebacker?
Before we dive into the specifics of Simpson’s potential fit with the Lions, it’s important to understand why linebacker is a position worth targeting. Detroit’s linebacker corps has improved in recent years, but there are still questions surrounding the unit’s consistency and overall talent. Players like Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes have been decent contributors, but the team could use a playmaking linebacker who can cover, rush the passer, and provide leadership in the middle of the defense.
The NFL is increasingly becoming a league where versatile linebackers are invaluable, able to fill multiple roles across different schemes. A linebacker who can cover tight ends, running backs, and even wide receivers in the passing game while also being able to rush the passer and stop the run is a rare commodity. This type of linebacker has become more essential than ever, and Trenton Simpson could be the kind of player the Lions need to take their defense to the next level.
Who is Trenton Simpson?
Trenton Simpson is a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker from Clemson University who has the potential to be one of the more intriguing and versatile players in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Despite being overshadowed by some of the more high-profile prospects at his position, Simpson has a well-rounded skill set that could make him a key contributor at the next level. Known for his athleticism, high football IQ, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways, Simpson has all the traits necessary to make an immediate impact on an NFL defense.
Simpson’s college career at Clemson was marked by his ability to be an every-down linebacker. Whether it was in pass coverage, rushing the passer, or being a key tackler in the run game, Simpson displayed the versatility NFL teams covet in linebackers. During his time at Clemson, Simpson recorded over 100 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles in just two seasons as a starter. His performance earned him All-ACC honors and caught the attention of scouts across the league.
Trenton Simpson’s Strengths
1. Elite Athleticism
One of the most striking things about Simpson is his athleticism. He has the ideal size for an NFL linebacker, combining excellent height and weight with impressive speed and agility. Simpson ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at Clemson’s pro day, which is remarkable for a linebacker of his stature. This speed allows him to cover ground quickly, both in pass coverage and when closing in on the ball carrier. His lateral quickness is also noteworthy, enabling him to sidestep blockers and make plays in space.
Simpson’s explosiveness is another key strength. He can burst through gaps in the line of scrimmage to apply pressure on the quarterback or disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage. His ability to move quickly in tight spaces and change direction on a dime makes him an ideal candidate for the modern NFL, where linebackers are often asked to cover ground in both the run and pass game.
2. Versatility in Coverage
While many linebackers are limited to either being strong in coverage or strong against the run, Simpson excels in both areas. He is comfortable in pass coverage, whether it’s covering tight ends, running backs, or even some wide receivers. Simpson has fluid hips, good ball skills, and the ability to track the ball in the air, making him a reliable option in coverage situations.
His ability to cover in the open field and take on different responsibilities allows him to fit into multiple defensive schemes. In the modern NFL, where linebackers are often asked to cover the middle of the field, be involved in blitz packages, and even match up against faster and more elusive players, Simpson’s ability to handle all of these responsibilities makes him an ideal fit for an NFL defense looking to stay competitive.
3. Football IQ and Instincts
Simpson is not just a physical specimen; he’s also a student of the game. His high football IQ stands out, especially in terms of his ability to read the play and react accordingly. He’s known for his strong instincts and ability to diagnose plays before they unfold. Whether it’s recognizing the offensive formation or reading the quarterback’s eyes, Simpson is typically one step ahead of the competition.
This type of awareness allows him to avoid blockers, find running lanes, and get in position to make plays. It also makes him highly effective in zone coverage, where his ability to read the quarterback and anticipate throws can result in interceptions or pass breakups. Additionally, his leadership qualities were evident at Clemson, as he often called defensive plays and served as the quarterback of the defense.
4. Pass Rush Ability
While Simpson may not have the edge-rusher mentality of some linebackers, he has proven to be a capable pass rusher when called upon. His combination of speed, power, and quickness allows him to create pressure on the quarterback, and he has a knack for getting into the backfield on blitzes. With 7.5 sacks in his last two seasons at Clemson, Simpson has shown that he can be a versatile threat in passing situations.
His ability to blitz from different positions—whether off the edge, from the middle, or from the inside—makes him unpredictable and difficult for offensive linemen to pick up. The Lions would benefit from adding a linebacker like Simpson, who can contribute to the pass rush and help generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, a critical aspect of defensive success.
How Simpson Fits with the Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have made strides in recent years, and their defense is starting to look like a unit that could contend for a playoff spot. However, there are still a few areas of concern, particularly at linebacker. Adding a player like Trenton Simpson would address several of these concerns while also providing flexibility and a high level of playmaking ability.
One of the most notable aspects of the Lions’ defense is their commitment to flexibility. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has shown a willingness to mix up his schemes, deploying both 4-3 and 3-4 fronts, often with multiple linebackers on the field. Simpson’s versatility would allow him to play in multiple roles within these schemes. Whether he’s playing off the ball, rushing the passer, or covering in space, Simpson could be used in a variety of ways to maximize his impact.
With the current state of the Lions’ linebacker corps, Simpson’s ability to contribute immediately is a strong selling point. While Anzalone has been solid and Barnes has shown potential, neither player possesses the elite athleticism or versatility that Simpson brings to the table. Simpson could step into a starting role and immediately upgrade the team’s defense, making an immediate impact both against the run and in coverage.
Additionally, Simpson could provide the Lions with the ability to implement more exotic defensive schemes, blitzing from the linebacker position and creating mismatches against opposing offenses. His ability to cover ground quickly would be a major asset in passing situations, and his smarts and instincts would make him a reliable presence in key moments.