Indianapolis Colts select Jaylin Simpson in fifth round of 2024 NFL Draft

The Indianapolis Colts have selected Auburn defensive back Jaylin Simpson with the No. 164 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Simpson spent five seasons at Auburn.

In the 2023 campaign, Simpson appeared in all 13 of Auburn’s games. He tallied 26 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, seven passes defended and four interceptions. He was the first Auburn player to record an interception in three straight games since Jerraud Powers in 2007.

Simpson received no shortage of praise for his efforts. He was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, an honor annually given to the top defensive back in college football. Additionally, he was named an All-SEC First Team member by the Associated Press.

In five seasons with the Tigers, Simpson amassed 116 tackles, four tackles for loss, 21 pass break-ups and seven interceptions. He was a consistent starter in his final two seasons with the team.

Jaylin Simpson played high school football at Frederica Academy (GA), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 311 overall recruit in the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Simpson also impressed at the NFL Combine, recording a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical jump. Further, Simpson boasted a ridiculous 11’1” broad jump. The 6-foot, 180-pound defensive back certainly has the physical attributes to succeed at the next level.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Jaylin Simpson

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein has no doubt Simpson can find a spot on football’s biggest stage. However, Zierlein cautioned it must be the right fit for Simson to reach his full potential.

“Long defensive back with speed, athleticism and ball skills that might have teams posting him in the cornerback column instead of at safety,” Zierlein wrote. “Simpson has started at both positions but might be caught between the two. He doesn’t support the run well enough to instill confidence as a last line of defense and he can be a little tardy to get his hips flipped in one-on-one transitions as a corner.

“Simpson does pedal and match receivers in space, balancing his eyes between route progressions and the quarterback as a high safety. He also contests catches with good success. He’s a good football player with explosive traits, but teams will need to have a plan for how to use him.”