Clemson defensive whiz Isaiah Simmons is one of the most popular prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft with just about every NFL fanbase. That includes the Detroit Lions at the No. 3 overall pick. But his size at his combine weigh-in almost certainly rules him out from consideration in Detroit.

Simmons checked in at just under 6-foot-4 and at 238 pounds. That’s bigger than many NFL linebackers and quite a bit bigger than the most successful modern “supersized” safety, Kam Chancellor.

For a player who compared himself to safeties, including Tyrann Mathieu and Jalen Ramsey, his sheer size makes it a very difficult projection. His game film at Clemson indicates he has the ability to handle coverage responsibilities and the requisite athleticism needed to play as the hybrid S/LB role epitomized by Mathieu — who is listed by the Chiefs at 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds.

Seven inches and 48 pounds difference. That’s more than the size difference between Danny Amendola and Calvin Johnson. It’s very difficult to see the Lions envisioning Simmons as anything but a linebacker in the base defense. And that’s an issue, because right now the Lions are set at off-ball linebacker with Jarrad Davis, Jahlani Tavai, Christian Jones and even Devon Kennard to some extent. There is a significant amount of resources devoted to the spot already.

His unicorn-like athletic ability makes it difficult to pass on such a freaky and productive talent:

But off-ball linebacker isn’t typically a position that merits top-10 overall value. And that’s what Simmons would be in Detroit most of the time, the role that Davis or Christian Jones currently fills. It doesn’t help the pass rush, it doesn’t really help the outside coverage, it doesn’t fill the suddenly gaping hole in front of the LBs.

Simmons is a very talented player and an amazing athlete, but he doesn’t fix any of the biggest problems on the defense. In fact, his best attribute–pass coverage–might actually encourage the Lions to continue to keep rushing just three and letting opposing QBs pick apart the coverage when it inevitably breaks down.

If Simmons is at LB, the Lions need a safety to play behind him. If he drops back to safety, then that player comes off the field and a linebacker subs in. Do the Lions have that kind of depth of talent at those two positions, where someone who can make an impact comes off the field?

It’s a very tempting idea to have Simmons patrolling the middle of the field in Detroit’s defense. He’d certainly make the team more fun to watch. But he’s not the best choice to make the team appreciably better on defense with the No. 3 overall pick.

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