In the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals selected former Clemson star and do-it-all defensive player, Isaiah Simmons as the eighth overall selection. Simmons shined during the 2019 season for the Tigers. His skill and versatility helped his team reach the college football national championship game in back to back years. Last season the Tigers lost all four starting defensive linemen and two starting linebackers. Clemson’s defensive coordinator Brent Venables had to make drastic adjustments because of these losses. Those adjustments were all centered around Isaiah Simmons.

The Tigers moved to a 3-3-5 defense from their normal 4-3 defense. That allowed Simmons to play multiple positions and gave him the freedom to roam the field during any moment of the game. Allowing Simmons that freedom made sense considering he has elite athleticism and showed that off at the NFL Combine. He finished with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, a 39-inch vertical, and a 132-inch broad jump. Clemson’s former star showed off more than just athleticism on the field. During any moment of the game, Simmons could transition from strong-side linebacker to safety to edge rusher. No matter the play call that Venables could think up, Simmons exceeded expectations.

Simmons is heading to Arizona and joins former Clemson standout, Deandre Hopkins.

Arizona Cardinals 2020 Depth Chart

Simmons will likely fill the strong-side linebacker position as well as rotate to the safety position when needed. The Cardinals recently signed linebacker De’Vondre Campbell to a one-year contract back in mid-March. Campbell and Simmons will help Arizona complete the move from a 4-3 alignment to a 3-4. Campbell and Jordan Hicks will take the inside positions. Simmons and Chandler Jones will likely fill the outside linebacker roles. Jones announced at the beginning of the year that he had successful surgery on his torn thumb ligaments. He has indicated that he will be ready for the 2020 season opener.

The combination of a healthy Jones and the versatile Simmons could mean trouble for opposing quarterbacks. Last season Jones finished with 53 tackles and 19 sacks, the second-highest in the league across 16 games. Simmons finished with 104 tackles, 7 sacks, and 3 interceptions in his final season with Clemson.

In one pick, Arizona has solidified its four-man linebacker front. It was a pick they couldn’t afford to miss on considering that the Cardinals do not currently have a second-round pick. At the time he was selected, Simmons was the highest-rated player on the draft board. Simmons’ versatility allows him to contribute immediately both in stopping the run and protecting against the pass.

Featured Image courtesy of Debra Sigmon.