Exclusive interview with Deon Simon

One of the potential breakout stars for the New York Jets in 2017 could be defensive tackle Deon Simon.

Defensive tackle Deon Simon was a 7th round draft pick in 2015. Today, he is in the conversation for the starting nose tackle position for the New York Jets, a position that has been held in recent years by guys like Sione Pouha, Kris Jenkins, Damon Harrison. On a team looking for young talent to emerge, Simon has a great opportunity to ascend.

While not seeing any game action in his first season as a pro, Simon played in all 16 games last year and will be looking to build on his first season of regular season action. I had the chance to ask Deon a few quick-hitting questions heading into training camp via his Twitter account.

Question 1: What is the main thing you’re looking to improve on to help the Jets have a rebound season?

Simon: Just to do my job on defense and make more plays in the backfield.

Question 2: How would you describe your 2016 season in one word, and what one word describes your expectations for the 2017 season?

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Simon: 2016 season, I’ll say “upcoming”, getting my name out there. And for 2017, I’ll say breakout season.

Question 3: What’s the first week of training camp like for defensive linemen? What are the first things you may be looking to refresh your mind on or get to work on to get ready for live action?

Simon: Basically just review, get on the field, and get ready for the live action.

Question 4: Who’s going to be in the weight room first on Day 1 of training camp, or who will be the last to leave One Jets Drive?

Simon: Everybody will be in the weight room.

Question 5: Finish the sentence: At the end of training camp, Deon Simon will be…

Simon: Deon Simon will be the person to look for this season.

Must Read: Training Camp Profile: DL Deon Simon

Simon is hyper-focused on one thing this season, and it’s clear from his answers: becoming a go-to player for the Jets. Making more plays in the backfield, his 2017 word as “breakout” and saying how he will be “the person to look for” all show that he’s a guy who will be looking to give head coach Todd Bowles reasons to start him. Going into training camp, Simon has an opportunity to become all of the things he mentioned in this Q & A. I’m looking forward to watching Simon’s development this season.