INITIAL DISCOVERY

My initial evaluation of Simmons came against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where his size, strong arm, and commanding pocket presence immediately caught my attention.

A left-handed quarterback with a quick and powerful delivery. Simmons stood tall in the pocket, displaying more mobility than his 6-4/220-pound frame would suggest.

It quickly became apparent that I was watching a quarterback with NFL-caliber tools, and the potential to develop into a high-level professional starter.

STRENGTHS

• Simmons possesses ideal NFL size, with a commanding presence whenever he's on the field.
• A unique left-handed passer with rare arm strength. The football explodes out of his hand, with exceptional velocity, and with a simple flick of his wrist.
• His exceptionally quick throwing motion reminds me of Dan Marino. Particularly how rapidly he identifies a target and triggers his delivery.
• He consistently displays confidence, composure, and command of the offense. His calm, measured approach makes difficult situations appear routine.
• Simmons is a quick decision maker. He processes defensive coverage, works through his progressions, and consistently keeps his eyes downfield.
• He surveys the field with confidence, identifying his preferred target and delivering without unnecessary hesitation.
• His football IQ shows in his willingness to throw the ball away, rather than forcing dangerous passes. He understands the importance of living for the next down.
• Simmons quickly identifies checkdown opportunities when downfield targets aren't available, keeping the offense moving.
• He possesses exceptional ball placement. Consistently delivering passes that allow his receivers to maintain momentum, and generate additional yards after the catch.
• Simmons throws with pinpoint accuracy and outstanding velocity to all areas of the field, which includes the wide side. His arm strength forces defenses to defend the entire field.
• He displays excellent anticipation, releasing passes before receivers complete their routes. With the football often waiting for them when they turn to make the catch.
• Simmons shows no hesitation attacking the middle of the field, confidently threading passes between defenders, and into tight coverage windows.
• He delivers accurate passes with defenders surrounding him, displaying impressive confidence and judgment under pressure.
• Simmons varies his throws effectively. Combining rare velocity, with excellent touch, and trajectory when passing over or around defenders.
• He remains poised when protection breaks down, using his feet to extend plays while continuing to search for receivers downfield.
• He displays good accuracy when throwing from unconventional platforms, including off one foot.
• Simmons possesses surprising mobility for his size. His quick, agile feet allow him to maneuver through the pocket, and execute play fakes efficiently.
• When he commits to running, Simmons is quick and decisive with the football. His long strides allow him to cover ground quickly.
• Although his offense utilizes a limited ball-faking package, he executes those movements smoothly and precisely, without wasted motion.
• He displays competitive toughness, with the willingness to stand tall in the pocket, absorbing oncoming contact to complete passes downfield.
• Simmons rarely puts the football unnecessarily in harm's way. His efficiency and decision-making help minimize potential turnover opportunities.
• His combination of arm talent, processing ability, anticipation, and composure reflects a quarterback whose development appears advanced beyond his collegiate experience.

WEAKNESSES

• Simmons occasionally stares down intended targets. Potentially allowing defenders to anticipate throws, and create turnover opportunities.

INJURY HISTORY

2025 — Simmons suffered a left ankle injury against Kentucky on September 6, while playing for Mississippi.

2025 — He aggravated the ankle injury the following week against Arkansas, limiting his playing time.

2025 — Simmons returned to action later in the season and was available for Missouri' 2026 season opener.

PLAYER SUMMARY

Austin Simmons possesses the physical tools, football intelligence, and passing ability to develop into a high-level NFL starting quarterback.

At 6-4 and 220 pounds, he combines ideal size, rare arm strength, an exceptionally quick release, and impressive accuracy. He possesses the ability to attack every area of the field. Forcing defenses to account for the entire field, with his impressive package of passing tools.

What separates Simmons is his ability to process information and execute in live game action. He consistently demonstrates poise, anticipation, and decisive decision-making while delivering accurate passes under pressure.

His mobility adds another dimension to his game. Although primarily a pocket passer, he possesses the foot quickness, agility, and long-striding ability to extend plays or generate yardage when necessary.

His stature, and elements of his overall game remind me of Jordan Love. His quick release also brings to mind a specific trait of Dan Marino. Particularly how rapidly the football leaves his hand.

Simmons must continue developing his ability to manipulate defenders with his eyes, rather than occasionally locking onto his intended target.

Nevertheless, his combination of rare arm talent, football intelligence, pocket presence, and competitive toughness gives him exceptional NFL potential.

My value board reflects where I project Simmons' draft value to be when he eventually declares, rather than simply where he stands at this stage of his collegiate career.

PROJECTED ROUND (CONSENSUS)

TBD

MY VALUE BOARD

1st RD (Top 5) (Last Updated: 10-10-26)

Profile by: Ken Becks aka TheScout — @1stDown_Scout