Cody Simon NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Ohio State LB

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 229

HAND: 9¾”

ARM: 31¼”

WINGSPAN: 75¾”

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40-YARD DASH: 4.59

3-CONE: 7.19

SHUTTLE: 4.30

VERTICAL: 33.5"

BROAD: 10'0"

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POSITIVES

— Knows when to pick his spots and shoot gaps both as a run defender and when blitzing.

— Quick to recognize crack blocks, allowing him to use his size advantage against wide receivers when offenses run pin-and-pull concepts.

— Can slip blocks by changing speeds against the run, using his change-of-direction skills or a solid shoulder-dip move.

— Good at keeping his feet moving through contact when taking on blocks to help stay in his gap against offensive linemen.

— Solid tackler who has some thump when coming downhill and only occassionally misses.

— Solid at using his hands to disrupt routes in zone coverage.

— Has shown a decent rip move when rushing the passer.

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NEGATIVES

— Struggles to locate the ball in the backfield against option plays.

— Has shorter arms and doesn't use his hands particularly well as a run defender, limiting his extension and leading to him getting stuck on blocks.

— Looks heavy-footed and lacks sideline-to-sideline speed, limiting range against outside runs.

— Lacks the athleticism and short-area quickness to be effective in man coverage against running backs and tight ends.

— Struggles to backpedal or ROBOT against play action, leading to being late to his landmark and leaving the middle hook area open.

— Subpar awareness and instincts in zone coverage. Often leaves his man open, fails to properly execute switches and has a habit of taking the cheese.

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NOTES

— 4-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2024 (Lower body, missed 1 game), 2021 (Undisclosed, missed bowl game)

— 2024 First-Team All-Big Ten, CFP National Championship and Rose Bowl Defensive MVP

— Four-time Academic All-Big Ten

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OVERALL

Cody Simon has the makings of a solid downhill, run-defending linebacker. He has decent instincts to shoot gaps against inside zone runs and beat crack blocks against pin-and-pull concepts. He's also shown the ability to slip blocks when offensive linemen climb up to the second level.

However, Simon's arms are on the shorter side and can lead to him getting stuck on blocks when he can't make linemen miss or has to use his hands to take on blocks. He also lacks sideline-to-sideline speed, which will cause him to get beat to the edge against outside runs, although he did post a good 40 time at Ohio State's pro day.

Additionally, the former Buckeye isn't much of a factor in coverage. He's limited athletically to be effective when playing man coverage and has below-average instincts in zone. The best way he impacts the passing game is by attacking openings in protection schemes as a blitzer or using a solid rip move when rushing the passer.

Overall, Simon is a two-down linebacker who can be a factor against inside runs. He's best suited as a "Mike" linebacker in either odd or even fronts and has experience playing special teams to help make a roster and contribute.

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GRADE: 6.2 (Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 205

POSITION RANK: LB13

PRO COMPARISON: Christian Rozeboom

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder