Versatility is the word everyone keeps using to describe Arizona Cardinals first-round pick Isaiah Simmons. Listed as a linebacker by the team, he played a little bit of everything on defense in his time at Clemson.
He played linebacker, as a pass rusher, as a safety, in the slot and sometimes even as a boundary cornerback.
General manager Steve Keim describes him as “unusual, unique and dynamic.”
He unlike almost all players in the league.
He does, though, have players he models his game after. One is a former Arizona Cardinals defensive back.”
“Like the former Cardinal Tyrann Mathieu, his versatility that he has within his game, as well as (Los Angeles Chargers safety) Derwin James,” Simmons told the media after his selection. “We kind of played similar roles, so I definitely would say I modeled many parts of my game after those two.”
The key for the Cardinals will be using him in a variety of ways. Will defensive coordinator Vance Joseph be able to find ways to maximize his skillset?
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
