Could the Cardinals go after another versatile defender to play linebacker?
Perhaps the two most glaring needs the Arizona Cardinals have this offseason, at least in the eyes of most, are on the offensive line and at receiver. As such, many mock drafts zero in on those positions for Arizona, which has the eighth overall pick in the draft.
However, considering their defense ranked at near the bottom of many categories in 2019, perhaps that should get more attention.
In a new mock draft from USA TODAY’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, the Cardinals address this need on defense.
With the eighth overall pick, they land Clemson defender Isaiah Simmons, who plays both safety and linebacker.
The national title game served as a showcase for how much Simmons can do, as he repeatedly disrupted plays by pressuring Burrow, closing in coverage and holding firm against the run from a variety of positions. That versatility should come in handy for an Arizona defense that yielded a league-worst 402 yards per game.
Simmons looks like he will be an impact player in the league. The question will be where he will play. This pick could raise concerns for the Cardinals, who have tried multiple times at drafting a player who played a different position and transitioning him to inside linebacker (see Deone Bucannon and Haason Reddick).
Simmons played mostly defensive back in college. He does a lot of the things that Budda Baker does. Would he replace him?
Would Simmons be able to make a full-time transition to inside linebacker next to Jordan Hicks? Or would be better suited playing off the edge?
Simmons has the talent to be a huge defensive contributor, but is he the best fit in Arizona?
With all the receivers on the board still in this mock draft, it would be hard to pass on someone like Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb, or to take a top tackle like Tristan Wirfs.
Even Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown would be a good choice. The Cardinals’ defensive line could use a true stud in the interior.
If the Cardinals find a way to use Simmons effectively, then could work, but if they want an inside linebacker, they might want to find one who has just played linebacker next time.
It’s a foregone conclusion that Washington will draft Chase Young at No. 2, but Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons might be a better fit for Redskins.
Ever since the Washington Redskins locked up the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, it has almost been a foregone conclusion that they would select Ohio State defensive end, Chase Young. With the Cincinnati Bengals seemingly a lock to draft LSU’s Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 pick, it seems almost too easy for Washington to just take Young — who is thought to be a generational talent and quite possibly the best player in the 2020 draft class — and move on with it.
However, there was one player in the College Football National Championship that put a stamp on his career year, and he just might be good enough to warrant a look from the Redskins before April rolls around.
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That player is Isaiah Simmons, a linebacker out of Clemson. Before the National Championship game, Simmons was already recognized as the top linebacker in this years’ draft class, and many expected him to be selected somewhere in the top-10, maybe even the top-5. However, his seven tackles, one sack, and instrumental effect on the game Monday night might have caused a few people in Washington to rethink their no-brainer pick of Young.
One player who cemented his status Monday night as a top pick in the April NFL Draft was Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons. A standout. Will be interesting to see if Simmons can challenge Chase Young for the top defensive player drafted.
Here’s the case for drafting Simmons over Young. If you’re Washington, you don’t really need another edge rusher, with Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan already on the roster. Add in the breakout year that Ryan Anderson had in 2019, and you’re pretty much set at that position. However, a major position of need for the Redskins is at linebacker alongside Reuben Foster and Cole Holcomb. This draft pick would then suit need over talent, and they could be set with a stout defense for years to come, should Kerrigan get back to his dominant ways after a down year in 2019. In his time at Clemson, Simmons finished with 148 total tackles, 11 sacks, and four interceptions. Comparatively, Young finished his career with 68 total tackles and 30.5 sacks at Ohio State.
Still, many — including us — believe that with the No. 2 overall pick, it is better to draft the player with the most upside and figure out a fit later. Young is thought to be a future Hall-of-Fame talent, and the Redskins’ move to a 4-3 defense under Jack Del Rio is a perfect fit for him to succeed alongside Sweat. Still, Simmons’ performance in the CFP Title game should at least be noticed in Washington, as they now have two defenders who could completely change the outlook of their defense in 2020 and years to come.
Luke Kuechly’s shocking retirement could have the Carolina Panthers targeting Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons in the 2020 NFL draft
The NFL Playoffs aren’t done yet, but the offseason is already kicking off with a shocking development, as Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement after just eight seasons Tuesday night.
A five-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, Kuechly has been considered the gold standard at his position for most of his career. His unexpected retirement immediately leaves a gigantic void at the heart of the Carolina defense, both on the field and in the locker room.
That could leave the Panthers targeting his replacement early in the 2020 NFL draft, and they’ll have a worthy target in Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons.
A Swiss Army knife of a defensive weapon, Simmons lined up all over the field for the Tigers, making plays from the edge, off the ball, and even as a defensive back. His rare combination of size, athleticism and explosiveness have made him one of the nation’s most dynamic playmakers on defense, and Tigers did a fantastic job of maximizing his unique skill set.
The Panthers currently hold the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, which is in perfect range to land Simmons, especially if multiple quarterbacks come off the board ahead of them. With LSU’s Joe Burrow, Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa and Oregon’s Justin Herbert all having a solid chance of going in the top six picks, chances are high that Simmons would still be on the board for Carolina at No. 7.
A player like Kuechly is never completely replaced, but if the Panthers can land Simmons, his absence would be far less noticeable, for the 2020 season and beyond.
Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons is a player that the Philadelphia Eagles should consider with their first 2 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Philadelphia Eagles, like the 31 other NFL teams around the league were keeping a keen eye on LSU’s 42-25 victory over Clemson in Monday night’s National Championship game.
With several of the stars from Monday night’s contest set to enter the NFL, there are guys who could provide Philadelphia with star-power, versatility and dynamic players in the first 60 picks.
The Eagles need a game-changing wide receiver, cornerback, safety help and a litany of other holes to fill.
With Clemson and LSU providing some of the top players transitioning from college to the NFL in recent years, here are 7 participants from the National Championship game that the Eagles could target in the first two rounds of the 2020 NFL draft.
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1. Justin Jefferson — WR — LSU
The Eagles can use an explosive playmaker on the outside and Justin Jefferson is a huge reason that Joe Burrow will be the No. 1 pick. Jefferson can run every route, he creates big plays and his explosiveness would put the Eagles offense on another level.
Against the Clemson Tigers on Monday night, Jefferson had 9 catches for 106 yards, including this video game style move that left one Clemson defender on shaky ground.
The New York Giants may miss out on EDGE rusher Chase Young, but linebacker Isaiah Simmons could be a better fit overall.
The New York Giants may be missing out on selecting Ohio State pass rusher extraordinaire Chase Young in the upcoming NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have a shot at a defensive difference maker.
The Giants select fourth overall and Young is said to be coveted by the rival Washington Redskins at No. 2.
Fear not, Giant fans. There’s another stud for the Giants to pounce on — Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound former safety is an all-around beast who was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and the recipient of the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker.
In 2019 Simmons, a junior, made 97 tackles (61 solo), had 7.0 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, six passes defensed with two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Simmons has been connected to the Giants in several mock drafts. There is no denying the versatility Simmons offers a defense. The talented 21-year-old played 100+ snaps at every alignment group other than outside corner and finished with a PFF grade of 80.0 or higher in run defense, pass rush and coverage.
Simmons has shown the ability to line up on the line, in the slot, at free safety or in the box, and has excelled at each position. While many experts believe he is destined to be a linebacker in the NFL, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound defender was great in coverage this past season. Simmons is projected as a top 10 pick in most mock drafts.
The Giants have not had a linebacker as versatile as Simmons in quite some time. He is all over the field and would don’t only give the Giants a catalyst and a playmaker on defense, they would be getting a player who could potentially lift up and energize the entire defense.
The Raiders take the fourth of five quarterbacks in the first round.
If the Cincinnati Bengals could, they would have surely put in their pick on Tuesday morning after the national championship game. They’re taking LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, and it’s hard to imagine anything or anyone stopping them.
On that note, I’ll make an admission. We may have gone a little overboard with the quarterbacks. There are five in the first round. But let’s be real: mock drafts are rarely right at this point in the offseason. It’s not that I’m not trying to be accurate. I am. But the most interesting part of the draft conversation — and the NFL conversation — centers around quarterbacks. This mock draft serves as an avenue to tap into that discussion.
The quarterbacks and receivers have tremendous potential in this draft. It’s beginning to look freakish. Even tackle is impressive. It’s possible — and maybe probable — that offense owns this first round in April.
In one way — and one way only — Burrow is a risky pick. He’s only a two-year starter and a one-year producer. He has been an absolute stud during the 2019 season, but he’s got just one year of film and one year of production, which is reason for concern.
But what am I doing talking down Burrow?
That 2019 film is glorious. He’s glorious. He’s going to be an excellent pro.
2. Washington (3-13) — Chase Young, Edge, Ohio St., Jr.
The Redskins just drafted their quarterback, Dwayne Haskins, a 2019 first-round pick. So Washington will take Haskins’ former teammate: Young. He’s the type of do-it-all edge defender who tends to skyrocket to the top of drafts. Young is almost as good of a prospect as Burrow, but defensive end is less valuable than quarterback.
3. Detroit (3-12-1) — Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama
General manager Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia should open up phone lines to see if anyone wants to trade up to leapfrog the Miami Dolphins and take Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. If no one bites, the Lions could address a number of positions, but let’s give Detroit a complement to tackle Taylor Decker. Wills can help Patricia with a run-first offense, while protecting Matthew Stafford, who was enjoying one of his best seasons before suffering an injury.
4. N.Y. Giants (4-12) — Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson, Jr.
The Giants invested in a quarterback last year, and New York is having issues protecting him. The predictable pick is a tackle, but as long as general manager Dave Gettleman is on the clock, something weird is going to happen. How about Simmons, a safety-linebacker hybrid? The versatile defender would be a boon to New York’s defense. It would feel a lot like the Giants’ selection of Saquon Barkley. Gettleman puts aside the fact that each player is at a position that’s no longer valued at a premium. Instead, he hopes to land one of the most productive and physically gifted players in the draft.
5. Miami (5-11) — Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama, Jr.
Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Don’t rule out the Dolphins passing on a quarterback again. They brought in Chan Gailey to serve as offensive coordinator, and the Dolphins seem to genuinely want to help Ryan Fitzpatrick succeed. (What could go wrong?)
But in the event Miami comes to their senses and realizes The Fitzmagic only lasts so long, they should take Tua, who was in the running for the No. 1 pick for most of this season until suffering a hip injury.
Poor, poor Josh Rosen may find himself on Facebook Marketplace, listed as “lightly used” and at an alarmingly low price.
Let’s not kid ourselves: the quarterbacks are going to rise in this draft class. They always do. Whether the Chargers take a quarterback or someone else trades up to get their guy, it’s entirely possible — and maybe probable — that three quarterbacks go in the top six picks. The top two talents are clearly special. There are plenty of question marks around players like Herbert, Washington’s Jacob Eason and Utah State’s Jordan Love. But cocky GMs and coaches will know they have the answers. In this case, Herbert supplants quarterback Philip Rivers, and brings much-need buzz to L.A.’s (distantly) second-most popular team.
7. Carolina (5-11) — Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio St., Jr.
Finally, Okudah helps the Panthers forget about cornerback Josh Norman, who was brilliant in Carolina, even if he’s had a turbulent runout on his career. Unless the Panthers trade Cam Newton — which they probably shouldn’t do — they won’t consider a quarterback. Instead, they’ll land an elite shutdown corner.
8. Arizona (5-10-1) — Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
More toys for Kliff Kingsbury? Not so fast. The Cardinals allowed 402 yards per game. That’s really bad. They had the second-worst passing defense and the ninth-worst rushing defense. So perhaps let’s get a player who can address both issues: Brown. He’s got the rare combination of size and athleticism that defensive coordinators scheme around. He’ll be a menace getting into the backfield, whether on passing or running plays. (Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb is a tempting option, considering he and Murray were teammates in college.)
Tee Higgins and Justin Jefferson are among seven players from the National Championship game that the Jets could take in the 1st two rounds.
The Jets, like every other team, were keeping a close eye on LSU’s 42-25 victory over Clemson in Monday night’s National Championship game.
The game provided a chance to take in draft-eligible players that should be on the Jets’ radar. Among those players are potential No. 1 wide receivers, future starting running backs, sideline to sideline linebackers and shutdown cornerbacks that New York could target in the first two rounds of the 2020 NFL draft.
With that said, here are seven College Football Playoff National Championship game players that the Jets should consider in April.
Clemson: WR Tee Higgins
(Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports)
If the Jets prioritize a wide receiver in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, it’s likely because there has been a run on offensive linemen before they pick at No. 11.
With Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb likely off the board within the top-10, that leaves Clemson’s Tee Higgins as a viable option if the Jets elect to stay at No. 11 or trade down and stock up on draft capital.
In Monday’s National Championship, Higgins wasn’t a major factor in the passing game, but his 36-yard rushing touchdown kept Clemson alive in the first half.
His basketball background surely shows in the way he plays wide receiver. Higgins is big, tall and long-bodied, standing at 6-foot-4. He has an outstanding catch radius with the ability to make impressive catches in tight coverage.
Higgins projects as the type of big body wide receiver that Sam Darnold has been lacking and could replace Robby Anderson as the Jets’ top target on the outside.
The Saints have many top 2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch when LSU kicks off against Clemson in the CFB Playoff National Championship game.
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We’re hours away from the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Clemson Tigers, and as luck would have it, the game will be played in the New Orleans Saints’ home stadium — the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
That presents a great opportunity for Saints shot-callers like coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis, and scouting director Jeff Ireland to see some of the 2020 NFL Draft’s best prospects perform live in such a high-pressure situation. That doesn’t mean the Saints will draft anyone who plays in this game; but it does give these soon-to-be rookies a shot at making a memorable first impression.
Here are four matchups we’ll be watching closely:
When LSU has the ball
WR Justin Jefferson vs. CB A.J. Terrell
Jefferson went off against Oklahoma in the semifinals, posting 227 yards and catching four touchdown passes, but he’ll face a serious challenge in Terrell. According to Pro Football Focus charting, Terrell hasn’t allowed more than 60 yards in a game all season, and has surrendered just 14 completed passes into his coverage. That’s a natural collision point where both teams will be trying to compete with strength versus strength.
Either of these players would be huge additions for the Saints, but Jefferson’s success in a similar scheme has to be enticing. He excels at finding the open spaces within zone coverage, just like past Saints success stories like Marques Colston and Willie Snead once did. But Jefferson has better size and agility, and more upside, than any of those other potential predecessors.
TE Thaddeus Moss vs. LB/S Isaiah Simmons
Moss is an enthusiastic blocker and a fearless pass-catcher, even if he’s been more of an afterthought in the passing game than a featured piece (his 42 receptions rank fifth-most). Jared Cook is entering the final season of his two-year Saints contract, and the Saints struggled to adjust when blocking tight end Josh Hill missed time with a concussion. It’s easy to see Moss taking a year to learn the ropes as the third tight end before the Saints unleash him the next season, though he still has a year of college eligibility left as a redshirt junior.
Simmons would give the Saints rare versatility in the back seven, especially if paired with C.J. Gardner-Johnson. PFF graded him well at every position he played (which ranged from weakside linebacker to strong and free safety), so it’s easy to see the Saints disguising their coverage by trotting out Simmons alongside the equally-versatile Gardner-Johnson. However, with multiple starting linebackers returning from injuries (Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso), it might be easier to slot Simmons in as a day-one starter at the second level.
When Clemson has the ball
WR Tee Higgins vs. CB Kristian Fulton
Higgins has steadily improved at the college level from one year to the next, and now he’s seen as one of the best route runners in the country. He’s also one of the best at catching the ball when it’s sent his way, even when covered tightly by opposing defensive backs. Fulton will challenge him more than anyone else he’s faced, however, as there are few cornerbacks better in press coverage. But Higgins doesn’t need much space to break a tackle and take off at a sprint after the catch.
Just like with the matchup between Jefferson and Terrell, the Saints are short-handed at both wide receiver and cornerback going into 2020. Michael Thomas turned in a one-man show in the passing game and could benefit from some real help. The only cornerbacks the Saints have under contract next season are Marshon Lattimore, Janoris Jenkins, and Patrick Robinson.
RB Travis Etienne vs. S Grant Delpit
Delpit has a great reputation as one of the country’s best safeties — as seen by him winning the Jim Thorpe Award — and there aren’t many players who can run with him in pass coverage. But there’s a serious flaw in his game as a tackler, with PFF crediting him a sky-high 27% whiff rate on tackle attempts. Etienne will punish him and the rest of the LSU defense should Delpit slip and miss when he has a chance to bring the runner down; Etienne led FBS in both yards gained after contact per attempt (5.2) and tackles broken per attempt (.45).
Every team can use more defensive backs, but the Saints secondary is in a tough spot with starting strong safety Vonn Bell headed for free agency. Delpit could be a good replacement if he’s available at their draft slot. Also, Alvin Kamara has just one year left on his contract, and he turned in a disappointing performance last season. Etienne looks like a natural fit should the Saints plan to move on.
Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling updates and expands his latest mock for the 2020 NFL draft, covering the first four rounds with new projections
We’re down to just four teams remaining in the NFL Playoffs, as another wild week of postseason action sent another disappointing quartet back to the drawing board to prepare for the offseason.
At the same time, the college football landscape is buzzing, with the national championship game taking place Monday night, and the all-star circuit already in full swing for some of this year’s top prospects. Shrine Game practices kick off this week, while the Senior Bowl awaits in Mobile next week.
As draft stock continues to shift, underclassmen make their declarations, and the selection order becomes more secure, here’s an updated look at how the first four rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order:
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
The last time the Bengals had this pick, they spent it on a Heisman-winning quarterback in Carson Palmer. 17 years later, Cincy’s hoping to land another franchise quarterback in Burrow, who has been dominant all year long despite facing stiff competition. Only an elite QB prospect would be worth passing up Chase Young, but Burrow is exactly that.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
For the second straight year, the team picking No. 2 gets the No. 1 prospect. Washington has bigger needs elsewhere, but Young is a generational talent who would be the rare “bargain” at this pick. A complete player who can take over a game all on his own, Young is one of the best pass-rushing prospects we’ve seen in years.
3. Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
This defense has needs at every level, so this pick is about getting the best value anywhere they can. Trading down would be ideal, likely for a team targeting a franchise quarterback, but Okudah is the most worthy candidate for this pick if they stay put. He’s the best of a corner class that could produce a handful of first-round picks.
4. New York Giants
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
You won’t find a more old-school general manager than Dave Gettleman, so don’t be surprised when he spends this pick on improving the offensive trenches. If Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones are going to rebuild this offense, they’ll need plenty of improvement up front. Thomas is a franchise left tackle who will be pro-ready from Day 1.
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
They might have to move up to land him on draft day, but if Tagovailoa is still on the board here, it’s a no-brainer for the Dolphins. Assuming his medicals check out, Tagovailoa is an elite quarterback prospect with all the physical and mental tools to be the difference-maker Miami has been desperately seeking for years.
2020 NFL draft: Top prospects to watch in National Championship Game
On Monday night, the eyes of the college and NFL world will be on the Louisiana Superdome as LSU and Clemson battle for the College Football National Championship.
There will be plenty NFL scouts in attendance and with the Eagles have several needs, Monday night will be a prime opportunity to scout some of college football best athletes.
The Eagles can use an explosive playmaker on the outside and Justin Jefferson is a huge reason that Joe Burrow will be the No. 1 pick. Jefferson can run every route, he creates big plays and his explosiveness would put the Eagles offense on another level.
