Auburn football Pro Day: Jaylin Simpson “My first game in the NFL will be the first NFL game I ever attend.”
“My first game in the NFL will be the first NFL game I ever attend.”
Jaylin Simpson will be making his childhood dreams come true as he prepares for next month’s NFL draft. After never attending an NFL game growing up, Friday’s Pro Day experience gave the Tiger veteran a peek into what his future could look like as an NFL star.
During secondary drills Simpson showed flashes of what he brings to an NFL organization. He reflected on his workouts today and enjoyed being with his teammates one last time before rookie mini camp.
”Today was our last time probably doing drills together,” Simpson said. “It was fun to show why I’m one of the best safeties coming out of this year’s draft, and for my teammates to do the same was beautiful to watch.”
Simpson finished his career with 119 tackles and seven interceptions with the Tigers. After being named all-SEC in 2023, he was invited to the NFL combine and Reese’s Senior Bowl.
During the weight room portion of Tigers Pro Day, Simpson soared through the air and recorded a 40-inch vertical jump. This was his second time recording a 40-inch jump after also doing it during the combine.
4️⃣0️⃣" VERT 😳@jaylinsimp continues to prove he's the most athletic prospect in the @NFLDraft 📈#AUProDay24 pic.twitter.com/ZNhjSc2Jmj
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) March 22, 2024
“I will be at home with my family for the draft,” Simpson said. “One of the biggest moments of my life and I want them to enjoy this moment with me. Whoever wants to come and draft me they are getting a winner and true competitor. Just come get me. I'm a baller.”
Simpson says he has heard his name in every round except the first when meeting with NFL scouts. He emphasized how thankful he is to be in this position and being a first generation college graduate in his family.
”I’m thankful for the opportunity. A lot of people don’t get to do this where I’m from (Brunswick, Georgia),” Simpson said. “To get this far, I’ll be the first person in my family with a college degree so it’s a blessing.
“I can’t wait to see what it is going to be like. I never went to a NFL game. So this is a very different experience for me.”
Jerry Humphrey III is a sports writer for the Montgomery Advertiser who covers area high school sports, Auburn recruiting and Alabama State athletics. Follow him on Twitter @jerryhump3.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Auburn football Jaylin Simpson: ‘My first NFL game will be the first game I ever attend’
