Trenton Simpson, a former linebacker for the Clemson Tigers and a five-star recruit, is set to be a highly anticipated player in the 2023 NFL Draft. After remaining in the Tigers' starting lineup throughout his college career and earning third-team All-ACC honors in 2022, Simpson is projected to be a first-round pick. Simpson’s athleticism is highly regarded and he ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at this year's NFL Combine, the second-fastest among linebackers. He is also considered a modern linebacker as he has experience playing both the “Sam” and “Will” positions, managing to make notable plays in the backfield while also delivering effective production as a pass rusher. Simpson is viewed by many teams as a player who could overcome the learning curve that typically stymies linebacker prospects at the next level. NFL mock drafts place him with different teams in the first, second, and third rounds of the draft, such as to the Atlanta Falcons or the Pittsburgh Steelers. Simpson says he knows he is a first-round talent, and he hopes to repay his family for their support and make them proud.