John Simon is headed to Baltimore.
The Ravens selected Simon with the 32nd pick of the 4th round, 129th overall, where he'll join a crowded group of backers that includes Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, and others.
Simon told the Ravens he was ready to get to work, saying "They're just a tough, hard-nosed team and I feel that's how I play the game. I'm just excited to be part of the organization and look forward to getting to practice."
Simon was a popular presence in the locker room at Ohio State for his play on the field and a calm leadership he exhibited. Simon ranks seventh all-time in school history for sacks (20.5) and tackles for loss (43). He finished his four-year career with 50 games played, 37 consecutive starts before a knee injury derailed his finale against Michigan and 154 tackles.
Simon earned defensive player of the year and defensive lineman of the year honors in the Big Ten his senior season. He had 44 tackles, including a Big Ten-best nine sacks for minus-73 yards and 14.5 tackles for loss totaling minus-87 yards.
Simon tied multiple single-game records during his senior year: five tackles for loss versus Nebraska and four sacks against Wisconsin.
“I think everyone knows how highly I think of John Simon,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said in December. “He is absolutely one of the finest young men I have had the privilege to coach. His determination and effort and selfless approach are second to none.
Simon, represented by Mike Perrett, is one of only eight players in program history to be a two-time captain, a quality that could translate well in the NFL. Simon was named a second-team All-American in 2012 and third-team All-American in 2011. A shoulder injury that required surgery in January excluded Simon from the Combine, but in a private workout at Ohio State in March he left scouts impressed, especially when it came to a 4.6 40-yard dash.
