The 2020 NFL Combine has come and gone, and there’s no real argument to be had — Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons dominated the show and established himself as one of the best prospects available in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Perhaps fittingly, the New York Giants are in desperate need of a game-changing defender that’s capable of rushing the passer and covering tight ends, so it seems like a match made in heaven.
That was the thinking of ESPN’s Todd McShay, who projected Simmons to the Giants in his post-combine mock draft.
4. New York Giants
Isaiah Simmons, OLB, Clemson
The Giants defense needs everything, and everything is exactly what Simmons brings to the table. He was a factor in every single statistical area in 2019 for the Tigers, and his blazing 4.39-second time in the 40, wild 39-inch vertical and ridiculous 11-foot broad jump took Indianapolis by storm. It was one of the best workouts we’ve ever seen from a linebacker. A converted safety, Simmons fits what NFL teams are looking for today and can affect so many areas of the game. New York handed 28.2 points per game to opponents last season, more than all but two other teams. Let’s jump start the defensive rebuild with a true difference-maker.
What more needs to be said at this point? We’ve beaten the Simmons to New York angle like a dead horse already this offseason, so there’s no need to bore you with repeat analysis.
The bottom line is that Simmons fits the exact mold the Giants and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham need. Whether he’s a safety, linebacker or slot corner, he’s a guy that can change the game and provide multiple looks.
General manager Dave Gettleman & Co. can’t miss if a guy like Simmons is there at No. 4.
