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NFL Draft 2020: Top 3 candidates for Defensive Rookie of Year

By Michael Hanich

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 01: Chase Young #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes chases down Clayton Thorson #18 of the Northwestern Wildcats in in the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 01: Chase Young #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes chases down Clayton Thorson #18 of the Northwestern Wildcats in in the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. LB. 32. player. Pick Analysis. Clemson. Isaiah Simmons. 2

It was a surprise to see the Arizona Cardinals skip their need for an efficient offensive tackle to select one of the best defensive players and most versatile prospects in the draft in Isaiah Simmons.

Even though the Cardinals gave up 50 sacks last season, the Cardinals 28th in points allowed per game (27.6) and 32nd (last) in total yards allowed per game (402). The selection of Simmons was needed because of his many impactful roles on the Cardinals’ defense.

In his last season at Clemson, Simmons accounted for 104 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, three interceptions, eight pass deflections and two forced fumbles. This was with Simmons playing multiple positions at outside linebacker, middle linebacker, safety, slot cornerback and a two-point stance defensive end.

A player with his impact at multiple positions will help the Cardinals create many different defensive packages that can create more chaos against opposing offenses.

Simmons is projected to start at the will linebacker position where he can provide a multitude of plays where he can blitz, stay in zone coverage, or get in man coverage. He could be a player that can account for a high amount of statistics, which would be beneficial to him winning the title of defensive rookie of the year.

He could be an impactful player based on the multiple schemes he possesses to play in where he will help improve every area on the defensive side of the ball.

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