Cody Simon
LB, Ohio St. · 2025 NFL Draft, Round 4, pick #115 (ARI)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position, availability. Details below.
The 2025 class is only 1 season in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Position
LB (LB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.8% of the time (701 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 15 of ~17 possible regular-season games from 2025 through 2025 (~88%). Plus 7 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #120 (#6 at his position), close to where he went (#115). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Ohio St.: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Combine
Invited to the Combine but no 40 time on record (skipped or injured).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (4,704 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 22 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 1 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 3 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 0.5 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 3.5 |
| Defense | 34 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2025 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2025 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Combine Invited to the Combine | 50.6% n=4,704 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 229 lbs |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #120 overall (#6 LB) |
Picked around him 2025 redraft
| 112 | Danny Stutsman | redraft #118 |
| 113 | CJ West | redraft #161 |
| 114 | Trevor Etienne | redraft #167 |
| 116 | Woody Marks | redraft #29 |
| 117 | Jarquez Hunter | redraft #221 |
| 118 | Billy Bowman | redraft #148 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.