So far, the Arizona Cardinals have received mostly only praise for what they did in the NFL draft over the weekend. The grades are in from ESPN’s Mel Kiper. He gives them a B but questions their approach in the first round.
As I said Thursday night, I like Simmons, but this was the spot to help Murray (and the run game), and I’m not sure where Simmons fits in the Cardinals’ defense. The reason I can’t fault it too much is that Keim and Kingsbury did get a starting tackle with their next pick. Offensive tackle Josh Jones (72) is No. 40 overall on my board, and I thought he could sneak into the bottom of Round 1. He was a four-year starter at left tackle in college, but he could move over to the right side in the NFL.
I also liked run-stuffing tackle Leki Fotu (114) and running back Eno Benjamin on Day 3, and of course, I have to factor in the Cardinals getting Hopkins. My only knock on this class is passing on all the tumbling tight ends. That’s a hole that wasn’t filled. This is a nice class — though I still don’t quite see Arizona as a contender in the NFC West.
Simmons’ talent is undeniable. His fit in the Cardinals defense is what one can question. And for those who feel the Cardinals should have gone with one of the top tackles, while Keim landed Jones, that is almost just lucky.
If Simmons continues his dynamic play and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph knows how to use him in ways to maximize his impact, they it was undoubtedly the best pick for them to make.
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
