Playing at the FCS level, Lachavious Simmons was a key player for four years at Tennessee State. He moved all over the offensive line, appearing to play every position except center.
Overlooked in the pre-draft process, Simmons participated in the College Gridiron Showcase and the Hula Bowl, where he was coached by Rex Ryan.
The Bears drafted him with the No. 227 selection, one pick after drafting Colorado offensive lineman Arlington Hambright.
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Strengths: Good size at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds. Mauler in the run game with long arms. Finishes his blocks, often taking opposing players all the way to the ground. Versatile with experience at both guard and tackle on both sides of the line. Simmons claims to play with a mean streak, and the limited tape I’ve seen shows that.
Weaknesses: Appears to be more of a run blocker than a pass protector. Will be making a big jump in competition. Likely needs time to develop on the practice squad.
Ryan Pace's take: "Right away, his size and length jumps out. He's got 35-plus-inch arms. These are the type of guys that our offensive line coach Juan Castillo loves to work with, just for that body type. His work ethic, there's just a lot of upside with him. We feel with Simmons, he could play tackle, he could play guard. Just the passion and energy he plays with jumps out."
Quote: "I’m a bloody your nose type of guy on the field."
