NFL Draft’s Potential Patriots: LSU CB Tharold Simon

WEEI.com will continue to offer daily insight and analysis regarding options that might be available to the Patriots when it comes to the 2013 NFL draft. Here is one is a series of profiles of players who could be on the board when it’s time for the Patriots make a selection.

LSU cornerback Tharold Simon (24) has good size, but his quickness been questioned. (AP)

THAROLD SIMON

Position: Cornerback

School: LSU

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 202 pounds

Achievements: 2012 Preseason All-SEC third team (media), 2012 Most Improved during LSU spring drills

What he brings: At 6-foot-2, Simon is tall for a cornerback. He has long arms and a good frame. He’s known as a big playmaker, with fluid hips and active hands throughout the route. He also has good reads and reactions as well as an aggressive mentality and is very confident in his play. The biggest question about him is his quickness.

Where the Patriots could get him: Round 3 or later

Notes: In 2011, as a sophomore, Simon ranked third in the SEC with 10 pass breakups. In his junior year, he registered 45 tackles, nine pass breakups, and four interceptions. … Simon was suspended for one game in 2011 reportedly for a positive drug test. … Simon was raised by a single mother and his grandmother, and he is the father of a young child.

Related articles: The Times-Picayune: Tharold Simon isn’t worried about low draft status

SI.com: Tharold Simon to enter NFL Draft

Video: Here’s a look at Simon during the 2012 Chick-Fil-A Bowl vs. Clemson.