Unpacking Future Packers: No. 46, Ohio State LB Cody Simon

The Green Bay Packers, with their storied history and rich tradition, are constantly on the lookout for players who can help them sustain their competitive edge in the NFL. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on potential rising stars, including Cody Simon, the standout linebacker from Ohio State University. With an eye on both immediate and long-term success, the Packers are widely considered to be targeting a linebacker who can provide both stability and leadership to their defense.

In this article, we take an in-depth look at Cody Simon—his background, his playing style, and why he could be an ideal fit for the Packers. We will break down his performance during his college career at Ohio State and evaluate how his skills could translate into a key role for Green Bay’s defense.

1. Cody Simon’s Early Life and Path to Ohio State

Cody Simon’s journey to becoming one of the most coveted linebacker prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft did not happen overnight. Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Simon grew up in an athletic family where sports were a central part of daily life. His natural talent for football became apparent at an early age, leading him to play for some of the best high school programs in the country. He attended St. Peter’s Preparatory School in New Jersey, where he played as a linebacker and quickly garnered attention from top college football programs.

Simon’s high school career set the stage for what would be a stellar college career at Ohio State University. He was a standout linebacker for St. Peter’s, earning multiple accolades and awards for his performance on the field. His playmaking ability, leadership, and determination helped him rise to the top of the recruiting rankings. Ultimately, he chose Ohio State, a program known for producing elite defensive players and competing for national championships.

At Ohio State, Simon was able to hone his skills in one of the toughest football conferences in the nation—the Big Ten—which provided him with the opportunity to test his mettle against some of the best teams and players in college football. Over the course of his college career, Simon became one of the most reliable and versatile linebackers in the country, demonstrating an ability to play both inside and outside linebacker positions.

2. College Career and Performance at Ohio State

During his time at Ohio State, Cody Simon became a critical piece of the team’s defense. He arrived in Columbus as a highly touted recruit and quickly made his mark in his freshman season, working his way into the starting lineup and showcasing his tremendous football IQ and natural instincts. Over the next few years, Simon would go on to become one of the team’s leaders, earning recognition as one of the top linebackers in the nation.

Here’s a breakdown of Cody Simon’s performance at Ohio State:

Freshman Year: Early Impressions

In his freshman year, Simon played in a limited role, as many freshmen do, but he showcased flashes of brilliance in the games he appeared in. He contributed in both run defense and pass coverage and displayed the athleticism and leadership skills that would make him a future starter for the Buckeyes. While his statistics weren’t eye-popping, his presence on the field was felt, and coaches knew they had a future star on their hands.

Sophomore and Junior Years: Rising to Prominence

By his sophomore and junior years, Simon’s game had evolved significantly. He had bulked up while retaining his speed and agility, making him an even more formidable presence against the run. In these seasons, Simon consistently posted double-digit tackle numbers in several games and demonstrated an ability to make plays in clutch moments. His strong tackling ability and proficiency at reading opposing offenses earned him a reputation as one of the toughest and most reliable linebackers in the Big Ten.

In terms of his statistical output, Simon averaged around 8 to 10 tackles per game and made significant contributions in both pass rush situations and pass coverage. His quickness allowed him to cover ground and track ball carriers, while his ability to read offensive schemes helped him disrupt plays in the backfield.

Senior Year: A Leader and Defensive Anchor

During his senior year, Simon emerged as one of the leaders of the Ohio State defense. He was the heart and soul of the Buckeyes’ linebacker corps and a team captain, a role that speaks volumes about his leadership abilities. His performance was consistently stellar, with Simon tallying over 100 tackles for the season. His playmaking ability, both in pass rush situations and in coverage, made him a dual-threat linebacker. He also showed remarkable consistency, maintaining high-level production throughout the season, including big games against high-powered offenses like those of Michigan, Penn State, and Indiana.

It was during his senior season that Simon truly showed his ability to impact games in multiple facets of the game, from defending the run to covering tight ends and running backs in the passing game. His leadership and ability to make key tackles in clutch situations were crucial to Ohio State’s success.

3. Skill Set and Playing Style

Cody Simon has developed a well-rounded skill set during his time at Ohio State, and his playing style is reflective of the versatility and high football IQ that NFL teams covet. Below is an in-depth look at some of Simon’s key strengths and how they will translate to the NFL.

Tackling and Run Defense

Simon is an exceptional tackler and a reliable defender against the run. He has a natural ability to read plays as they unfold, allowing him to diagnose runs and quickly find the ball carrier. Simon’s wrap-up technique is clean and efficient, and he has the strength to take down even the most elusive running backs. He is particularly effective at filling gaps and shutting down running lanes. His ability to stop ball carriers at or behind the line of scrimmage is one of his most impressive traits.

Athleticism and Coverage Ability

Simon’s athleticism is another area that makes him a highly sought-after linebacker. He has the speed and agility to cover ground quickly, which is crucial in today’s NFL, where linebackers are often tasked with covering fast tight ends, running backs, and even wide receivers in passing situations. His coverage skills are solid, and he is comfortable in both zone and man-to-man coverage. This versatility allows him to be used in a variety of defensive schemes, making him an asset for defensive coordinators.

Football IQ and Leadership

One of Simon’s standout attributes is his football IQ. He has a strong understanding of offensive and defensive schemes, and this knowledge allows him to anticipate plays and make adjustments on the fly. As a team captain at Ohio State, Simon’s leadership ability was also highly valued. His ability to motivate and direct his teammates on the field is indicative of a player who can thrive in the high-pressure environment of the NFL.

Pass Rush and Blitzen

Simon’s ability to rush the passer is another area where he excels. Although not primarily a pass rusher, he has demonstrated a knack for timing blitzes and applying pressure on quarterbacks. He has the strength to push past offensive linemen and the quickness to disrupt plays in the backfield. In an NFL system that utilizes blitzing linebackers, Simon’s skills could allow him to contribute immediately.

4. Why Cody Simon is a Perfect Fit for the Green Bay Packers

For the Green Bay Packers, a team known for its tough, physical brand of defense, Cody Simon represents a perfect fit. The Packers’ linebacker corps has undergone some changes in recent years, and they are looking for a player who can come in and make an immediate impact. Here’s why Simon could be the answer:

Versatility in Defensive Schemes

The Packers’ defensive coordinator, Joe Barry, has made it clear that the team needs versatile players who can fit into multiple defensive schemes. Simon’s ability to play both inside and outside linebacker gives him the flexibility to contribute in a variety of roles, whether as a traditional linebacker in a 4-3 scheme or as a more hybrid player in a 3-4 defense. His ability to rush the passer and cover in the passing game makes him a valuable asset in multiple defensive fronts.

Toughness and Leadership

The Packers’ defense has often been criticized for lacking toughness and leadership. Simon, with his physical play and vocal leadership on the field, can be the type of player who sets the tone for the entire defense. His ability to make tackles in the open field and his mental approach to the game will allow him to thrive in Green Bay’s defense.

Immediate Impact and Long-Term Potential

Given the Packers’ needs at linebacker, Simon could make an immediate impact on the team. Whether starting or rotating in, his ability to contribute on both defense and special teams could be crucial. With a strong foundation already in place, Simon’s growth could help solidify the Packers’ linebacker corps for years to come.