The Arizona Cardinals have been widely praised for their selection of linebacker Isaiah Simmons, and for good reason. He was a playmaker for the national runners-up, playing all over the place and making plays. He had tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and interceptions.
But what is the statistic that defines him?
Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield came up with one defining stat for every first-round pick.
You probably won’t be surprised at what it is for Simmons.
It is his playing time at different spots.
Four is the number of different positions in which Simmons logged at least 116 snaps in 2019 for Clemson: 116 on the defensive line, 132 at free safety, 262 at slot cornerback, and 299 in the box. Wherever he lines up, Simmons is a force multiplier, and he’ll be the epicenter of Arizona’s defense sooner than later.
The Cardinals plan on using him as an “eraser” and a “problem-solver,” though he will zero in on one position at linebacker. He will do many things, covering backs and tight ends, blitzing and maybe even rushing off the edge.
However, it will all be from his home position.
This offseason might limit his impact in multiple facets of the game, but it shouldn’t be long before he is one of the best in the league.
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Ep. 266
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Ep.265
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