The Longhorns' defensive powerhouse joins Arch Manning in the elite ranks, projected as a top-10 pick for the Tennessee Titans thanks to his explosive pass-rushing dominance.
Arch Manning wasn't the only Texas star to receive major recognition in Pro Football Network's latest 2027 NFL mock draft.
While Manning grabbed headlines by landing at No. 1 overall, Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons wasn't far behind. The standout defender was projected to go No. 7 overall to the Titans, further highlighting the elite talent currently on Texas' roster and reinforcing Simmons' reputation as one of the nation's premier defensive players.
"The Tennessee Titans have their quarterback in Cam Ward, and they spent first-round capital in 2026 to get Ward a premier weapon with Carnell Tate," Ian Cummings writes. "Only a select few premium positions need additional blue-chip talent. One of those positions is EDGE, and Robert Saleh would be salivating at the chance to add Colin Simmons."
Since arriving in Austin, Simmons has looked every bit like the difference-maker Texas expected when it landed one of the country's top recruits. His explosiveness off the edge, ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, and knack for making life difficult on opposing quarterbacks have quickly made him one of the most important pieces of the Longhorns' defense.
It's not difficult to see why NFL evaluators are already so intrigued.
He has racked up 21 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss in his first two seasons with the Longhorns, and he has done so while also forcing six fumbles and wrapping up all ballcarriers with 91 total tackles.
The modern NFL places a premium on pass rushers who can consistently affect the quarterback, and Simmons possesses many of the traits teams covet. His combination of speed, power, and athleticism allows him to win in multiple ways, whether that's beating offensive tackles around the corner or using his strength to collapse the pocket.
For Texas, the projection is another example of the program's ability to attract and develop elite talent on both sides of the football. Having a quarterback projected first overall and a defensive star projected inside the top 10 speaks to the level of talent currently competing in Austin.
The latest mock draft may be looking ahead to 2027, but it serves as a reminder that one of college football's most dangerous defensive players is wearing burnt orange right now.
