Cardinals’ Isaiah Simmons could move up PFF rankings in 2nd season

Isaiah Simmons entered the league as a Swiss Army knife.

His ability to rush the passer or drop back into coverage is why the Arizona Cardinals selected him eighth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Simmons’ rookie year was filled with expectation, and he filled those expectations — somewhat.

He finished his first season in Arizona with 54 tackles, 2.0 sacks and one interception.

And while the stats are not that convincing, Simmons’ potential heading into year two is what has Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson impressed.

Simmons was mercilessly attacked by Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers last season, but he showed down the stretch that he was beginning to put things together at linebacker having played a brand of positionless football at Clemson. If he can develop in Year 2 after that baptism by fire, he could shoot up the rankings.

Monson has Simmons at No. 32 in PFF’s latest inside linebacker rankings.

This is a little bit surprising when looking at how little Simmons played in his rookie season. He was on the field for only 33.9% of the Cardinals’ defensive snaps in 2020, per Pro Football Reference.

And remember when he intercepted Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson on Sunday Night Football? He only played five defensive snaps that game.

The Cardinals linebacker ended the 2020 season with a player grade of 69.9 for pass coverage by PFF.

So, why didn’t Simmons get more playing time?

Well, the Cardinals positioned him at inside linebacker. It’s hard for a rookie to get on the field often when guys like De’Vondre Campbell and Jordan Hicks play the same position.

Hicks was listed one spot above in PFF’s rankings Simmons at No. 31.

Additionally, Simmons did not get the typical amount of preparation that most rookies get because of COVID-19.

With no rookie minicamp, OTAs and a shortened training camp, the Cardinals linebacker jumped into the regular season about as raw as you could be when transitioning from college to the pros.

But it’s a new year, and the future looks bright for Simmons.

He could be an every day starter for Vance Joseph’s defense this season after the team’s offseason moves.

Arizona selected rookie linebacker Zaven Collins 16th overall in the 2021 draft and reportedly gave Hicks the option to seek a trade as a result.

Campbell is also a free agent, and it appears unlikely that he will re-sign with the Cardinals.

So, it looks like Collins and Simmons will be the new linebacker duo.