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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jess Root

Cardinals take versatile Isaiah Simmons with 8th overall pick in draft

The Arizona Cardinals have added a versatile defender to their team. With the eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft, they selected Clemson defender Isaiah Simmons.

Simmons spent four seasons with the Tigers, playing three and redshirting his freshman year. He did a little of everything, playing safety, linebacker and in the slot.

He offers a rare blend of size, length, speed and explosiveness.

In 2019 for the National Champion runner-ups, he had his most complete season. He had 107 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks, three interceptions, 13 pass breakups and a forced fumble.

He also was a team captain.

He can play the run, he can rush the passer and he can cover.

Some project him as a linebacker in the pros and others as a safety. He could also play as an edge rusher in some defenses because of his length and speed. As a rookie for the Cardinals, because they do not really have any open starting spots, he could play as a rotational defender in many positions — in the slot, off the edge or in space.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep.265

Ep. 264

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