It is mock draft season now as the NFL draft is just more than three weeks away. Most projections have the Arizona Cardinals going with an offensive lineman.
In the latest mock from the Arizona Republic’s Bob McManaman, he has them going with an impact defensive player.
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons falls to them and they select him with the eighth overall pick in the draft.
Previously, the choice here was Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb. He’s still available, but will the Cardinals take him after that steal of a trade for DeAndre Hopkins? It could happen, yes, and a lot of people would love it, including me. What’s wrong with doubling down on offense? In Simmons, though, Arizona gets another steal in a multi-positional playmaker who can do everything. Remember, free-agent addition De’Vondre Campbell only signed a one-year deal. Simmons gives them a long-term answer who can play inside backer, rush the passer, cover tight ends, and drop back and cover deeper passing routes, too. He’s a bigger, meaner version of the Honey Badger. An offensive lineman is an option here, but maybe less likely if Simmons is still on the board.
Simmons likely won’t be available for the Cardinals, but he is an impact player. He played all over the field for Clemson and, while he probably would not start for the Cardinals as a rookie, he would be able to fill a number of roles.
He could be a backup edge rusher behind Chandler Jones and Devon Kennard. He could come in as an inside linebacker in passing downs. He could be like a sixth defensive back and play near the line of scrimmage or back like a safety. His versatility makes him a great player to fit in many spots.
There are three players I personally would select over a receiver or offensive lineman. Simmons is one of them, while Chase Young and Jeff Okudah both are expected to be drafted in the top five.
Really the only question would be whether or not defensive coordinator Vance Joseph would know how to use him adequately.
Simmons would be a great pick for the Cardinals.
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Ep. 262
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Ep. 261
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