Damari Simeon

Bio

Height 6'3"
Weight 275 lbs
Hometown Richland, NJ
High School St. Augustine Prep
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recruiting

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Class of 2026
#194 National
0.9251 Rating

Scouting Report

A
93 / 100 Ceiling 93 • Floor 85
year 1 contributor NFL Rd 5

Damari Simeon is a high-motor, disruptive interior defensive lineman with a promising blend of quickness and power. As a 4-star prospect and a top-200 player nationally, he displays the initial burst and active hands to create problems in the backfield, projecting as a valuable rotational player early in his collegiate career with starting potential.

Physical Profile

Simeon possesses a compact and powerful build, listed at 6-foot-3 and around 275 pounds. His most notable physical trait is his impressive get-off and lower-body mobility, which allows him to play with excellent leverage. While he may be on the shorter side for a premier interior defensive lineman, his ability to bend and dip around blockers is a significant asset. He's a multi-sport athlete who also participates in track and field, and reports of a 32-inch vertical jump speak to his explosive athletic ability.

Play Style

On film, Simeon is a disruptive force who excels at shooting gaps and creating chaos in the backfield. He plays with a sense of urgency and has a knack for shedding blocks with quick, violent hands. While his sack numbers in his junior season were not elite (2.5), his 9 tackles for loss and consistent pressure demonstrate his impact. He lines up in various techniques along the defensive front for his high school team but projects best as a 3-technique in a four-man front at the next level.

Strengths

  • Explosive first step and snap timing that allows him to consistently gain an early advantage and penetrate gaps.
  • Relentless motor and high-energy playing style; frequently makes plays in pursuit and racks up effort-based sacks and tackles.
  • Impressive lower-body flexibility and mobility, enabling him to effectively use leverage and get under the pads of taller offensive linemen.

Areas to Improve

  • Needs to add more mass and strength to his frame to consistently hold his ground against double teams at the Power Four level.
  • Development of a more diverse pass-rush arsenal beyond his initial quickness and bull rush will be crucial for his long-term success.

College Projection

Simeon is projected to be a multi-year contributor for a top-tier program. Given his current build and the need for some technical refinement, a developmental year or two will likely be necessary before he is ready for a starting role. His athleticism and motor should allow him to earn a spot in the defensive line rotation early in his career, with the upside to develop into a full-time starter by his second or third year on campus.

NFL Outlook

As a 4-star prospect with a composite rating of 0.9251 and a commitment to a premier program like Ohio State, Simeon possesses the foundational traits to be considered a future NFL Draft prospect. His development over the next few years, particularly in adding size and refining his pass-rush moves, will determine his ultimate draft ceiling. His blend of quickness and motor gives him the potential to be a disruptive interior pass rusher at the professional level.

Best Fit

A one-gap, aggressive defensive scheme that allows him to utilize his quickness and get upfield would be an ideal fit. Programs that prioritize athletic, penetrating defensive tackles will maximize his skillset. His commitment to Ohio State, known for developing high-level defensive linemen, is an excellent match for his talent and potential.

Player Comparison

Montez Sweat Mississippi State • Washington Commanders 82% match

Both prospects share the ideal 6'3", 275-pound frame that projects to multiple defensive positions in college and the NFL. Sweat was similarly ranked as a high 4-star recruit (#150 nationally) with the versatility to play defensive end or outside linebacker, demonstrating the type of positional flexibility and athletic upside that likely drives this prospect's elite ranking despite the unknown position designation.