5 players who Cardinals need to be great in 2020

Arizona Cardinals x-factor: Isaiah Simmons, LB

Arizona Cardinals General Manager Steve Keim went offense in the first round in back-to-back NFL Drafts in 2018 and 2019. Keim went quarterback each time. In 2018, he selected Rosen, then went Murray in 2019.

After the defense surrendered yards and points at an alarming rate last year, Keim selected the versatile linebacker Isaiah Simmons out of Clemson. In the past, we have seen the team favor dynamic defensive players such as Tyrann Mathieu, and Simmons falls into that category too.

Although, Simmons is not a corner. Rather, he will play anywhere from safety to linebacker, making plays in coverage and as a pass rusher.

Simmons had eight sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss during his junior year at Clemson in 2019. He also racked up three picks and had 104 total tackles.

As discussed last slide with Peterson, adding to defense is the team’s most substantial need. Simmons has the potential to help aid many areas on that defense, especially strengthening play over the middle of the field.

It might be too much to ask a rookie to be great right away. But, if Simmons is up to the task and can fulfill that demand, this defense will not resemble the unit that took the field in 2019.

Stopping the run, defending in pass in coverage, and heating up the pocket would be three very welcomed sights in 2020. Simmons can also establish himself as one of the more all-around defenders in the NFL.