2020 NFL Draft: 5 Best Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates

4. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Arizona Cardinals

There was no chance of Mr. Everything not making this list. After all, he said whoever drafts him is getting three players in one and he’s not lying.

Isaiah Simmons is an athletic freak with excellent speed, flexibility, height and weight. The 6-4, 240-pound chess-piece will play linebacker for Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Joseph knows what to do with a player like Simmons. Just look at Jordan Hicks, who had his career year in 2019.

Like Hicks, Simmons can drop into coverage. However, he offers more flexibility as a nickel corner and playing in man coverage. Simmons allows Joseph to disguise him as blitzer. With the talent around him, Simmons doesn’t have to worry about doing it all. Chandler Jones is an elite edge rusher who’ll command double teams.

If Simmons lines up alongside Hicks, he’ll be allowed to roam free and not have to worry about taking on blockers. However, if he’s used as a take-on linebacker, he has excellent length, a power punch at the point and quick hands, which aids in his block deconstruction.

Moreover, the Cardinals have some big bodies like Zach Allen, Jordan Phillips, Corey Peters and the undervalued rookie nose tackle Leki Fotu to keep him clean. Don’t be surprised to see him coming off the edge sacking the quarterback about five times in addition to his pass defenses and tackles.

With all the surrounding talent and a bright-minded defensive coordinator, Simmons is a prime candidate to take home the Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy.