Sports360AZ
In the first round of the “virtual” 2020 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals continue to patch holes on the defense with versatile linebacker, Isaiah Simmons.
A member of the 2016 and 2018 College Football National Champions, the Clemson Tigers, Simmons totaled 148 tackles and 11 sacks in his four seasons with the Tigers. In Clemson’s loss to LSU in the 2020 National Championship Game, the senior racked up seven tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss, and two passes.
NFL experts were all across social media and had plenty to say about the Arizona Cardinals’ first-round pick as they continue to build towards the playoffs. Skip Bayless from FOX already thinks they’re a shoo-in for the 2020 NFL Playoffs.
WAY TO GO, ZONA. Forget the offense for a moment. Kyler’s got that. Take the most all-around dominating defender in the draft. I think Isaiah Simmons will have a little more impact than Chase Young. He’s everywhere. Ran 4.39. Can rush the passer. Plays w edge. Cards: playoffs.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 24, 2020
Isaiah Simmons:
-Spy Russell Wilson
-Cover George Kittle
-Play sideline to sideline vs. Rams run gameThat’s what he brings to the table
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) April 24, 2020
Isaiah Simmons played 100+ snaps at five different positions.
There is no NFL comparison. pic.twitter.com/WC3tK1Kjks
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 24, 2020
A group of ESPN’s personalities enjoyed that the Cardinals went with the best player available with the number eight pick but do have their concerns.
Isaiah Simmons fell into Arizona’s lap. I hope they don’t misuse him. pic.twitter.com/F6p2pHxZRt
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) April 24, 2020
ESPN’s Ian Rapoport went in-depth on the versatility of Simmons earlier on draft day, explaining why when asked at the NFL Combine what position he plays, he simply replied, “defense.”
The #AZCardinals make their pick and go with #Clemson freak Isaiah Simmons at No. 8. With a deep OL draft, Arizona picks a player who can do it all on D.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2020
The curiosity that is #Clemson‘s Isaiah Simmons: Where do you play him? Teams are all over the map. pic.twitter.com/juEcgldnXR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 23, 2020
His new Cardinals teammates seem to like the pick, including fellow linebacker, Jordan Hicks.
Welcome to the squad bro! Can’t wait to get to work!! @isaiahsimmons25
— Jordan Hicks (@JordanHicks) April 24, 2020
Isaiah Simmons to AZ!!!! pic.twitter.com/RNjPWZzgdZ
— Corey M. Peters (@CoreyPeters91) April 24, 2020
But possibly most important of all, what does Isaiah Simmons say about himself?
.@IsaiahSimmons25 can do it all ?
?: 2020 NFL Draft, TONIGHT (8pm ET) on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/zICvarXlBN
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 23, 2020
The NFL Draft continues Friday and Saturday on ESPN’s family of networks. The Cardinals do not currently have a second-round pick but have overall picks number 72 (Round 3), 114 (Round 4), 131 (Round 4), 202 (Round 6), and 202 (Round 7) remaining pending any future trades.
