Chris Simms Faces Backlash for NFL Draft Rankings

Chris Simms, a former quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, and Denver Broncos, has established himself as a polarizing figure in NFL Draft discussions. Known for his contrarian views, Simms has consistently ranked players in ways that diverge from mainstream opinions. His recent rankings of wide receivers for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft have sparked significant criticism, particularly regarding his choice of Denzel Boston from Washington as the top prospect.

Newsweek

Chris Simms is at the center of this controversy, having gained notoriety for his unconventional assessments. His rankings often provoke strong reactions from fans and analysts alike. In contrast, the consensus among pundits and fans identifies Ohio State's Carnell Tate, USC's Makai Lemon, and Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson as the leading wide receiver prospects for the draft. Simms' decision to overlook these players in favor of Boston has drawn ire from the football community.

Newsweek

Simms' latest rankings have been met with widespread disagreement. While he positions Denzel Boston as the best wide receiver prospect, Boston is generally regarded as a late-first-round pick. In a notable deviation, Simms did not include Makai Lemon, who was recognized as college football's best wide receiver in 2025, in his top five. This has led to a considerable backlash on social media, where fans and analysts have expressed their discontent with Simms' assessments.

Newsweek

The backlash against Simms' rankings highlights a broader tension within the NFL Draft community. Critics argue that his rankings lack credibility, especially given his previous misjudgment of players like Drake Maye, whom he ranked sixth in his class before Maye's successful Super Bowl appearance and MVP runner-up status. This history raises questions about the reliability of Simms' current evaluations and has fueled the criticism he faces.

Newsweek

While Simms has not publicly addressed the backlash in detail, he has a history of standing firm on his opinions, regardless of public sentiment. His approach suggests a commitment to his rankings, even in the face of widespread disagreement.

Newsweek

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Simms will likely continue to defend his rankings, and the debate surrounding his choices will persist. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the actual draft outcomes align with Simms' predictions, particularly regarding Denzel Boston and the other top wide receiver prospects.

Newsweek

• “Chris Simms isn't afraid to let his opinion be known.” — Newsweek

Newsweek

• “To say social media and the internet at large disagreed with Simms would be a massive understatement.” — Newsweek

Newsweek

• “Simms stands by his rankings, and per usual, the fans will stand by theirs.” — Newsweek

Newsweek