Darrell Simpson is one of the more versatile linemen in this year’s NFL Draft. Out of high school, Simpson committed to Oklahoma but only played in one game during his tenure with the Sooners. He entered the transfer portal after the 2021 season and signed with Tulsa.
In 2022, he played in 12 games, starting four contests during his first year at Tulsa. Then, in 2023, he started 12 games at right tackle and had his best statistical college season. The 6’6, 350-pound tackle has a lot of experience, with six years of playing time.
He is currently viewed as a day 3 option in the draft. With the Patriots bringing him in for a top-30 visit, they’ve shown interest in the tackle .
Simpson recently spoke with The Patriots Beat about his six-year college journey, playing at multiple schools, and his relationship with a current NFL all-pro lineman.
Do you find yourself as versatile as your tape shows, and do you have a position on the line that you feel most comfortable in?
I don’t have a particular side I want to play on. Whichever side needs the most help, I’m willing to play there. It’s just like knowing
both sides of the line; it helps. My versatility helps me know the strengths and weaknesses of the defense.
You started your college career at the University of Oklahoma and then transferred to Tulsa. What went into that decision?
It was just a sudden move to figure out the next move for me
and the best opportunity to chase my dreams. Tulsa had great coaches, and I’m happy I got to play there; it helped me achieve my goals and what I’m still trying to shoot for.
Do you see yourself playing in a gap power scheme or zone-based scheme? Which type of scheme best fits your profile as a player?
I don’t try to fit into it; I try to. I’m more of a person who adapts and adjusts and learns whatever I need to on the go whenever I’m put in a situation.
What was the transition like from playing high school football to college football?
It was a little rough in the beginning because, I mean, sitting behind Creed Humphrey and Cody Ford and them showing why they wanted that job more and how hard they were working, it was a pretty lesson learned. And I mean, I learned a lot from them, including techniques and just all about the grind.
What was your relationship like with Creed Humphrey?
I mean, everybody was close, but I think I learned a lot from him because Creed was a very smart player who knew the playbook in and out. And I mean, he just taught everything by the steps, the fundamentals, and everything about the game. Well, look, those are really good answers.
Why should an NFL team draft you?
What I would say is I know how to move my feet, good hand technique, and then just love the game, to just stay deep into it, and then always making adjustments when I need to, and then always trying to work to get better, never thinking that I’ve made it, because there’s always more work to do.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
