Free agency will affect how the NFL draft plays out, especially with the first several picks. In Lance Zierlein’s latest mock draft for NFL.com, the Arizona Cardinals land a surprise player because of how the first picks play out.
They land Clemson defender Isaiah Simmons.
The top of the draft is a little crazy as the Miami Dolphins trade up to the No. 1 pick to select quarterback Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, who have the first pick, move back to No. 5 and land quarterback Justin Herbert, suggesting he is the quarterback they really covet.
The Los Angeles Chargers also trade up to draft quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, making that three QBs in the top five picks. Two tackles — Mekhi Becton and Jedrick Wills are also selected ahead of the Cardinals’ pick.
That leaves Simmons on the board or they could take Iowa tackle Tristan Wirfs or their top receiver in the draft.
They take Simmons.
The guess here is that Arizona won’t be expecting to see Simmons on the board, but if he is, he may be too enticing to pass up. Plugging in an OT here is an easy move, but Tristan Wirfs doesn’t offer the same potential impact as Simmons.
Despite the Cardinals’ moves in free agency, Simmons fits. They don’t really have a spot in the starting lineup for him, but he could be a backup edge rusher and package player as a rookie at different positions.
After his rookie season, newly signed De’Vondre Campbell’s contract expires and Jordan Hicks’ contract has an out. If they see Simmons as the future at inside linebacker, they could move on from Hicks or Campbell and let Simmons take over.
His versatility allows him to play all over in different roles.
Even without a spot in the starting lineup, he could make an impact on defense.
Passing on Wirfs would be hard because he could be a star at right tackle but if Justin Murray builds on his 2019 season, the Cardinals will be okay on the offensive line.
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Ep. 261
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Ep. 260
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