The Arizona Cardinals have the eighth pick in the 2020 draft next month. While many believe they will either take an offensive lineman or a receiver, some would like to see them take a defensive player to help shore up one of the league’s worst units in 2019.
Two players often projected to be possibilities with the eighth pick are Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons and Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown.
However, with how things went at the NFL combine, both likely played themselves out of the eighth pick, but for different reasons.
It appears likely Simmons will be long gone. After running a sub-4.4 in the 40, combined with his size and game tape, he appears he could be a top-five selection. The New York Giants are rumored to be targeting Simmons with the fourth pick.
Brown’s combine performance raises concerns, which could take him out of consideration as a top-10 pick.
His 40 time wasn’t anything special but his three-cone time of 8.22 seconds is not where you would hope a top-10 defensive lineman is. The Cardinals value athleticism, especially in the first round.
With both performances, it looks much more likely they will look to add a receiver or an offensive lineman.
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. 259
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