Report: Projected NFL first-round pick Simmons injures knee

Projected first-round draft pick Jeffery Simmons injured his knee in training and could have a torn ACL, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Simmons, a defensive lineman from Mississippi State, has been considered a potential top-15 draft pick, but a torn ACL likely would impact his draft slot.

A statement from Simmons is expected later Tuesday.

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Simmons played three seasons for the Bulldogs. In 38 games, he had 163 tackles – 32.5 for loss – as well as seven sacks and five forced fumbles.

He was not invited to attend the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins later this month, because of a previous no-contest plea to an assault charge. A 2016 NFL rule bars prospects who have a history of violence from attending the combine.

In 2016, a video showed Simmons hitting a woman. Mississippi State suspended him for one game.

–Field Level Media