One X-factor for every NFL team heading into 2020

Arizona Cardinals – Isaiah Simmons

Simmons was a particularly interesting draft prospect to evaluate because of questions over what his best NFL position might be. The Cardinals’ defensive staff are more than happy to deploy him in a variety of spots in 2020.

He should take most of his spots at linebacker, but expect him to spend a lot of time covering receivers down the field as well. The Cardinals want to use him to shut down dangerous tight ends and running backs. The bottom line is that he’ll be a playmaker no matter where he lines up as a rookie.

Los Angeles Rams – Aaron Donald

Sometimes a team’s X-factor does happen to be its best player. That’s the case with the Rams and Donald. The fact that he also happens to be the most disruptive defensive lineman in the game also earns him a spot on this list.

The Rams have a lot of offensive issues to fix in 2020, but they need their defense to take a step forward as well. Donald continuing to play like an All-Pro is the foundation of any success Los Angeles might enjoy this season.

San Francisco 49ers – Trent Williams

The Niners essentially flipped Joe Staley for Williams this offseason. Staley’s decision to retire caught the team by surprise, but pivoting to Williams helped to soften the blow immediately.

The question is whether or not Williams can pick right up where his career left off. It’s been a long time since he played a meaningful NFL snap. San Francisco can’t afford for him to show signs of rust.

Seattle Seahawks – Bruce Irvin

Irvin hopes his return to Seattle will allow him to disprove the notion that you can’t go home again. He returns to Pete Carroll as a grizzled veteran, but he still was reasonably productive for Carolina’s porous defense in 2019.

The Seahawks need him to jump-start their moribund pass rush. Fortunately, they don’t need Irvin to do much else. If he can flirt with double-digit sacks he’ll be just the difference-maker their defense desperately requires.