Jeffery Simmons No. 2 DT, Yet 83rd on NFL.com List

Executive Honors vs Player Vote

Jeffery Simmons landed the No. 2 spot on the most recent ESPN ranking of defensive tackles, which surveyed NFL executives and scouts. Only Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks and Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles sit above him in that poll. The contrast is stark when compared with the NFL.com top‑100 list, where Simmons sits at No. 83 after a player‑only vote. Meanwhile, former Titans linebacker Bobby Wagner appears at No. 81, despite being a free agent at the time of the ranking.

Mocking the discrepancy, the article notes that Simmons was “horribly disrespected” by the NFL.com position, given his on‑field production. Despite the Titans’ general struggles—often finishing near the bottom of the league—Simmons’ tape convinced executives and scouts of his elite status. The executive view highlights what opposing coaches see when preparing to face Tennessee’s defense, a perspective that player voting may miss.

Simmons’s 2025 Season Stats

Entering the 2025 campaign, Simmons shed 20 pounds to boost his quickness while preserving his power. He posted a career‑best season with 11 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 21 quarterback hits. His 16.3 % total pass‑rush win rate ranked second among defensive tackles, and he forced three fumbles and recorded three passes defensed.

Through 15 games, Simmons logged 67 tackles (39 solo), plus 13 stuffs, contributing to a first‑team All‑Pro selection. The dominant performance earned him a three‑year, $105.8 million extension this offseason. “His strength is elite, and now that he’s realizing his pass‑rush potential, he should continue to play really well,” an NFL coordinator observed.

Why the Titans’ Struggles Impact Recognition

The Titans’ consistent lack of success appears to dampen player voting patterns, pushing Simmons down the NFL.com rankings despite his individual excellence. While the team’s record rarely features, the numbers on tape do not lie, and that is what the executive panel and opposing coaches evaluate. As a result, Simmons is getting recognized by those who watch film, not just by his peers who may be influenced by team performance.

Only Seattle’s Leonard Williams and Philadelphia’s Jalen Carter currently outrank Simmons in the executive poll. Should the Seahawks fail to win the Super Bowl in 2025, Williams may cede his spot, leaving Simmons potentially the top defensive tackle in that ranking. The ongoing debate underscores the difference between collective player perception and expert evaluation.

What Lies Ahead for Simmons

Beyond the numbers, Simmons brings an energy and focus that many defensive lines covet. He consistently stays locked in, helping to keep the entire defense aligned and sharp. His leadership on the field is described as a rare motivator for teammates, adding value that statistics alone can’t capture.

Looking forward, the continued weight management and pass‑rush development suggest Simmons could climb higher in future player‑voted lists. With a solid contract and a proven track record against double‑teams, the foundation is set for another productive season, regardless of the Titans’ overall standing.

The contrast between the 83rd‑place spot on the NFL.com list and the No. 2 ranking from execs highlights a broader conversation about how player fame, team success, and individual merit intersect in the NFL’s perception of talent.