Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was taken 19th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night in Nashville.NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans believe Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons’ potential makes him worth the wait.
Tennessee selected Simmons with the 19th overall pick as the NFL draft got underway Thursday night, even though a torn ACL in his left knee puts his availability for the upcoming season in question.
Not even a three-year-old arrest and video in which Simmons was shown punching a woman could keep the Titans from selecting a player they considered one of the best in the entire draft.
“We’re excited,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. “To get this type of player and this type of person where we got him, we’re very fortunate.”
Simmons was injured while working out in Florida in February. The Titans didn’t want to speculate Thursday how soon he might be available to play and whether he’d be ready at all this season.