Broncos select safety Justin Simmons with the 98th pick

ENGLEWOOD, Co – The Denver Broncos have selected Justin Simmons, a safety out of Boston College University, in the third with the 98th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Simmons, a two-year starter at corner for the Eagles, recorded 229 tackles and eight interceptions in 50 career games. As a senior, the Stuart, Florida native was named a second-team All-ACC performer by a plethora of outlets and was also named team MVP.

Despite playing all around the defensive backfield in college, the 6-foot-2, 202-pound Simmons projects as a safety at this level.

“I’m excited to join the best defense in the country and bring my versatility,” Simmons told media on a conference call after the pick. “I’m just really looking forward to coming in and learning as much as I can, really just being a sponge from day one.”

“It’s really nothing but positives from here,” he added. “I’m really just looking forward to coming in, competing and learning as much as I can.”

NFL.com lists his strengths as follows:

 Effective in “robber” role when called on. Able to process layered routes in front of him and find his fit. Consistent in coverage and reads play development quickly. Has cornerback experience and can handle man coverage against move tight ends and bigger slots. Rangy from center field with length and hands for optimal ball skills and makes plays when he gets there. Will sprint from high to low as soon as he reads run and leverages well to the sideline. Showed improved tackle security from 2014 to 2015. Rarely tries to initiate tackle early. Allowed no broken tackles and just four missed tackles this year. Has talent as a gunner and was used on both punt and kick cover teams.

The selection of Simmons rounds up the second day of the draft for the Broncos.