James Atama
Mel Kiper Jr., the ESPN draft analyst, has identified Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon as one of the most underrated prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Following the Buckeyes’ national championship victory, attention is shifting to the upcoming draft, where many players are preparing for the NFL Combine.
While Ohio State may not have any top-ten draft picks this year, they are expected to produce at least two first-round selections. Among the draft-eligible players, Simon stands out to Kiper. The linebacker demonstrated his skills during key games, earning Defensive MVP honors in both the Rose Bowl and the National Championship Game.
In the last season with the Buckeyes, Simon recorded seven sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses through effective blitzing and run defense. Kiper currently ranks him as the sixth-best inside linebacker on his big board and believes he could go in the third or fourth round of the draft. With Simon’s strong performance and leadership on the field, he will be a significant loss for Ohio State’s defense in the upcoming season.
