New England Patriots Top 30 Visit: Tulsa OL Darrell Simpson

Every NFL franchise is allowed to invite up to 30 draft prospects to visit their facilities and meet with the members of the organization before the NFL Draft. These selections range from first-round targets to players who might be available as undrafted free agents. As news about the New England Patriots Top 30 visits surface, Patriots Football Now will highlight each of the visitors. Today’s feature, Tulsa offensive lineman Darrell Simpson.

College Career

Darrell Simpson ranked as a four-star prospect coming out of Northwest High School in Justin, Tex. His composite ranks (via 247 Sports) placed him as the No. 265 prospect in the country, No. 15 offensive tackle, and No. 34 player from Texas in the Class of 2018. His high school teammates included several Division 1 college players, such as tackle Michael Nichols and linebacker Cooper McDonald, both of whom play for TCU.

Four-star OL Darrell Simpson 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/orHsRYmTRL

— "EJ Holland" (@EJHollandOn3) May 21, 2017

Simpson committed to Oklahoma. He appeared in only one game through four seasons, including a redshirt freshman year in 2019. Although recruited as a tackle, Simpson’s lone snaps for the Sooners came at right guard. He entered the transfer portal following the 2021 season. Simpson opted to join the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.

Darrell Simpson appeared in 12 games for Tulsa in 2022. He started four, two each at right guard and left guard. Tulsa moved Simpson back to his high school home of tackle for the 2023 season. He started all 12 games at right tackle, playing 870 total snaps on the season. He allowed only two sacks and 13 pressures all season.

Pro Football Focus graded Simpson’s 2023 performance as a respectable 71.4, with a pass-blocking grade of 77.8.

NFL Draft

Darrell Simpson is an under-the-radar prospect. Despite being a prized recruit for Oklahoma who participated in the All-American Bowl, he did not become a regular starter until his sixth college season. His experience, albeit limited, playing both guard and tackle in college could help make him an enticing depth prospect along the offensive line.

Simpson has outstanding size, having been listed from 6-foot-6 to 6-foot-8 and weighing in the neighborhood of 350 pounds.

Darrell Simpson was not selected in the recent seven-round NFL Mock Draft on Patriots Football now. There is a solid chance he goes undrafted in the actual NFL Draft as well, although a late Day 3 selection is a possibility. The New England Patriots bringing him in as a Top 30 visit indicates a certain level of interest. Seeing Simpson signed as a priority undrafted free agent, should he go undrafted, should not come as a surprise.