It’s no secret: the New Orleans Saints have had a disastrous start to 2026. However, not all is lost, particularly in the 2027 NFL Draft. An awful season could land them a rising star in Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons.
The Saints currently hold the 10th overall pick according to Tankathon, but this selection could quickly rise if nothing changes, which they haven’t shown signs of. As a result, they could end the year with a top-10, if not top-five, pick in April. This would put them in prime position to draft a future superstar.
Additionally, the Saints need reinforcements at edge rusher. Chase Young is a bona fide star, ranking second in the NFL with seven sacks, and Carl Granderson has had an impressive season, but he is a trade candidate. They must infuse the unit with young talent and give Brandon Staley, or whoever the defensive coordinator is, a dynamic tandem of pass rushers for the foreseeable future.
Colin Simmons is a well-rounded game wrecker.
Simmons, the six-foot-three, 240-pound junior, has had an ultra-productive career. The former five-star recruit has tallied 31.5 sacks and 45.5 tackles for loss in his three seasons in Austin. Despite a sprained ankle sidelining him for the past 1.5 weeks, plus the upcoming game, he’s racked up 10.5 sacks, leading the nation, and 16.5 tackles for loss.
Simmons is arguably the best athlete in college football. He mixes staggering power with absurd explosiveness that makes him a mismatch against any offensive lineman. This is evident in both as pass rusher and run defender.
Simmons' absurd first step helps him quickly reach the backfield. He’s a triple-threat pass rusher and wins with speed around the edge, strength, translating speed into power, and technique. He keeps his matchup guessing and can single-handedly destroy the offense's game plan.
Simmons is equally impressive as a run defender. He battles against bigger offensive linemen and thrives at setting the edge. Then, his violent hand usage helps him easily stack and shed blockers, letting him quickly reach the ball carrier.
Simmons and Chase Young would form possibly the best edge rusher duo in the league. The rookie’s a high-floor prospect who will instantly be impactful once he’s drafted, could reinvigorate a struggling defense and terrorize opposing quarterbacks.
It’s early, and anything can still happen with the Saints’ season, but eyes are already shifting towards the offseason. If nothing changes, then Colin Simmons will be a popular name in New Orleans.
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