NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates a defensive stop against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The Cardinals struck gold by selecting Kyler Murray in last year’s NFL Draft. Who will Arizona take in the first round this year?
Kyler Murray electrified Cardinals fans in his first NFL season. Perhaps more importantly, his potential for stardom puts the entire franchise on a positive trajectory. Now it’s imperative for the front office to follow up Murray’s selection by hitting another home run in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Before free agency began it might have made sense for the Cardinals to take a wide receiver at No. 8 to grow with Murray. Trading for DeAndre Hopkins eliminates that need. Now Arizona is free to address a different position of need.
That likely means the Cardinals will look to give Murray some additional protection with their first round choice. It’s possible the team could be tempted by a dynamic edge rusher or playmaking defensive back, but it will be more difficult for Arizona to find value at this positions with the No. 8 pick.
Without further delay, here are five guys the Cardinals may choose to pick in the first round.
5. Isaiah Simmons
Simmons falling all the way down to the No. 8 pick would be a dream scenario for the Cardinals. It’s also highly improbable. If Arizona does want to draft the dynamic linebacker, they’ll likely need to move up a few spots in Round 1.
From a tactical perspective, he’s a great fit for the team’s defense. Simmons would be free to wreak havoc in the Cardinals’ 3-4 base defense. He’s the rare college linebacker who comes into the NFL with the ability to both rush the passer and cover quality receivers.
If the Cardinals have the chance to select Simmons they need to jump at the chance. He may ultimately be out of their price range on draft night, but he represents one of the best possible outcomes for Arizona in the first round.