Boston College Athletics
Players Mentioned
DB
/ Football
Photo by: John Quackenbos
Simmons Drafted By Denver in the Third Round of 2016 NFL Draft
April 29, 2016 | Football
The Florida native is the fifth Eagle drafted by the Broncos
CHICAGO, Ill. - Boston College's Justin Simmons was the 98th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft on Friday, taken in the third round by the Denver Broncos. The safety is the 13th Eagle all-time to be taken in the third round.
Simmons was a two-year starting defensive back for the Eagles. He recorded 229 tackles and eight interceptions in 50 career games. In 2014, he moved from safety to corner due to injuries in the secondary, showing his versatility on the field.
The Stuart, Fla., native earned 2015 All-Atlantic Coast Conference Second-Team honors by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association and the league's head coaches and was named to the All-ACC Second Team by Phil Steele and AP media outlets. He was also chosen to Phil Steele's All-American Fourth Team and collected ProFootballFocus.com honorable mention All-America accolades. Before the start of the season, Simmons was presented with Jay McGillis Memorial Scholarship Award and he earned the William J. Flynn MVP Award after the season.
Simmons was a member of the nation's No. 1 defense in 2015, allowing just 254.3 yards/game. He was third on the team with 67 tackles, including 49 solo stops. He was second in the ACC with five interceptions, tying for 20th in the nation. He also ended the season tied for second in the league with three fumble recoveries. In the three-point loss then fourth-ranked Notre Dame on Nov. 21, Simmons caused three turnovers - a forced fumble and recovery and two interceptions - to go along with eight tackles. He earned ACC Defensive Back of the Week honors for his performance. He recorded a season-high nine tackles, including eight solo stops, at Clemson and intercepted a pass, returning it a career-long 28 yards.
In 2014, Simmons led the Eagles with 76 tackles, 63 solo stops and two interceptions. He was second on the team with five pass breakups. That year, the BC defense racked No. 1 in rush defense, conceding just 94.5 yards/game. He tallied a career-high 11 tackles against Colorado State on Sept. 27 and made a critical interception at Wake Forest on Oct. 25 on the Demon Deacons' final drive of the game with BC leading by five.
The last BC player selected in the third round was offensive tackle James Marten, taken 67th overall in the 2007 draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
The 2016 NFL Draft continues on Saturday, April 30 at noon with rounds four through seven. It can be watched on ESPN, NFL Network and NFL.com.
Simmons was a two-year starting defensive back for the Eagles. He recorded 229 tackles and eight interceptions in 50 career games. In 2014, he moved from safety to corner due to injuries in the secondary, showing his versatility on the field.
The Stuart, Fla., native earned 2015 All-Atlantic Coast Conference Second-Team honors by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association and the league's head coaches and was named to the All-ACC Second Team by Phil Steele and AP media outlets. He was also chosen to Phil Steele's All-American Fourth Team and collected ProFootballFocus.com honorable mention All-America accolades. Before the start of the season, Simmons was presented with Jay McGillis Memorial Scholarship Award and he earned the William J. Flynn MVP Award after the season.
Simmons was a member of the nation's No. 1 defense in 2015, allowing just 254.3 yards/game. He was third on the team with 67 tackles, including 49 solo stops. He was second in the ACC with five interceptions, tying for 20th in the nation. He also ended the season tied for second in the league with three fumble recoveries. In the three-point loss then fourth-ranked Notre Dame on Nov. 21, Simmons caused three turnovers - a forced fumble and recovery and two interceptions - to go along with eight tackles. He earned ACC Defensive Back of the Week honors for his performance. He recorded a season-high nine tackles, including eight solo stops, at Clemson and intercepted a pass, returning it a career-long 28 yards.
In 2014, Simmons led the Eagles with 76 tackles, 63 solo stops and two interceptions. He was second on the team with five pass breakups. That year, the BC defense racked No. 1 in rush defense, conceding just 94.5 yards/game. He tallied a career-high 11 tackles against Colorado State on Sept. 27 and made a critical interception at Wake Forest on Oct. 25 on the Demon Deacons' final drive of the game with BC leading by five.
The last BC player selected in the third round was offensive tackle James Marten, taken 67th overall in the 2007 draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
The 2016 NFL Draft continues on Saturday, April 30 at noon with rounds four through seven. It can be watched on ESPN, NFL Network and NFL.com.
Football: Zeke Moore Media Availability (April 10, 2026)
Friday, April 10
Football: Favor Bate Media Availability (April 10, 2026)
Friday, April 10
Football: Johnathan Montague Jr. Media Availability (April 8, 2026)
Wednesday, April 08
Football: Israel Oladipupo Media Availability (April 8, 2026)
Wednesday, April 08
