Colts select Auburn safety Jaylin Simpson with 164th pick in 5th round of 2024 NFL Draft

The Indianapolis Colts selected Auburn safety Jaylin Simpson with the 164th pick in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft—following a trade down with the Philadelphia Eagles:

The 6’0,” 179 pound senior safety 36 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions (*1 returned for a touchdown), 3 passes defensed, and a fumble recovery during 13 starts in 2023—earning First-Team All-SEC honors.

Simpson has a RAS of 7.40 out of a maximum of 10.0—having run a 4.45 forty yard dash and posted a 39.6 inch vertical at the recent NFL Combine.

Here’s NFL.com draft profile summary:

“Long defensive back with speed, athleticism and ball skills that might have teams posting him in the cornerback column instead of at safety. Simpson has started at both positions but might be caught between the two. He doesn’t support the run well enough to instill confidence as a last line of defense and he can be a little tardy to get his hips flipped in one-on-one transitions as a corner. Simpson does pedal and match receivers in space, balancing his eyes between route progressions and the quarterback as a high safety. He also contests catches with good success. He’s a good football player with explosive traits, but teams will need to have a plan for how to use him.”

The Colts’ need at safety is well-documented alongside re-signed starter Julian Blackmon, as neither Nick Cross nor Rodney Thomas II were able to successfully run away with the position. Daniel Scott returns from a season-ending injury suffered as a rookie as well.

Simpson should definitely come in and compete at the free safety position during training camp and should provide immediate value for the Colts on special teams.

Here’s what they’re saying on Simpson: