Arizona Cardinals: Opinions slightly mixed on Isaiah Simmons pick

While some are high on the Arizona Cardinals selection of Isaiah Simmons with the No. 8 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, others are left with questions.

With the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals selected linebacker Isaiah Simmons out of Clemson in an attempt to shore up their defense. Simmons had more buzz than many prospects in the class given his athleticism and ability to move all over the defense.

Given the addition of a player with as much buzz and excitement as Simmons, it was no surprise that many national media writers from various publications spoke encouragingly about the newest addition to the Cardinals.

Mike Tanier of Bleacher Report lauded the Clemson star’s versatility and his reputation as a player who can move all over the defense:

"Simmons is the ultimate all-purpose weapon on defense, and it’s up to the Cardinals to use him that way. He must be used as a Derwin James-type nickel linebacker/slot corner/box safety/edge-rusher to be truly effective. If he’s limited to any one of those roles, he will be just another solid player, not a potential superstar"

Importantly, he is projected as an asset to take on opposing tight ends in coverage. The Cardinals were among the worst teams in defending a position that is progressively getting better and more athletic. ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss noted that Simmons could be an “instant” fix for Arizona’s issues in that department.

The praise for the Cardinals’ selection of Isaiah Simmons at No. 8, however, was not unanimous. While some noted his versatility as a positive, at least one person handing out grades was critical of the pick. CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco noted how impressive the range is for the listed linebacker but said he’s unsure of where to play him and questioned Simmons’ ability to play in the box as a true linebacker.

Given his athletic profile and how many hats he wore while with Clemson, Simmons clearly has upside, though the praise around the media isn’t unanimous. Without question, all eyes will be on his performance with the Cardinals as the team’s first-round pick.