Seattle Seahawks: 15 best first-round draft picks of all-time
By Lee Vowell
Outside Linebacker. 1998-04. Anthony Simmons. 15. player. 36.
Anthony Simmons was drafted as the No. 15 overall choice in the 1998 NFL Draft out of Clemson University. Simmons was taken because he had the versatility to be all over the field. He didn’t miss tackles, but he could also pressure opposing quarterbacks.
In 2000 and 2001, Simmons was one of the best linebackers in the NFL. It is a shame that he never made the Pro Bowl in his career, though, as he probably should have. In 2000 alone, Simmons had 147 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. He had 11 tackles for loss again in 2001.
To put this is perspective, the Seahawks’ great linebacker Bobby Wagner’s career high for tackles for loss is 13. Wagner’s next highest total is 10. This means Simmons’ two straight seasons with 11 each is Wagner-esque.
The issue Simmons had during his career wasn’t his productivity on the field, but the problems he had staying on it. Simmons suffered multiple injuries, including a wrist injury that ended his career. After playing every game from 1999 through 2001 and playing brilliantly, Simmons missed 21 of a possible 48 games from 2002 through 2004.
Simmons now runs a chain of places children can get their haircuts called Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids. He lives in Nevada.