NFL Draft: Re-drafting the quarterback-loaded 2020 NFL Draft
7. Carolina Panthers: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Pick Analysis. Justin Jefferson. player. Scouting Report. WR. LSU. 7. 87
Original pick: Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
The Carolina Panthers went with all defensive players for this entire Draft class, starting with Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown.
No one could fault them for taking Brown at the time, but looking back, they missed out on any number of a plethora of offensive weapons that could have made life easier on — in this case — Teddy Bridgewater.
Who knows how different things would be if the Panthers had Jefferson, who has been arguably the best overall receiver from a class of players that is absolutely loaded.
In two seasons with the Vikings, Jefferson has over 3,000 yards, 17 touchdowns, and two Pro Bowl appearances.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
32. Pick Analysis. Clemson. Isaiah Simmons. 8. player. Scouting Report. LB/S
Original pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
If the Cardinals could go ahead and do this selection over, I’m not sure they would pass on Isaiah Simmons, who has been a tremendous all-around weapon for them.
Now, some might argue this one because of the players still on the board here, but Simmons is now the centerpiece of Arizona’s defense and without him, that unit would look pretty dismal on paper.
Last season, playing and starting all 17 games, Simmons loaded up the stat sheet, as we’ve become accustomed to from him.
- 105 total tackles
- 4 tackles for loss
- 4 QB hits
- 7 passes broken up
- 1 interception
- 4 forced fumbles
This will be a big year for Simmons, establishing himself as the best player on that Cardinals defense.