Arizona Cardinals Hope They Didn’t Draft Isaiah Simmons, as his performance and impact have fallen short of expectations, raising doubts about their selection decision.
The NFL draft is a gamble—an intricate balance of talent evaluation, team needs, and future potential. When a team selects a player high in the draft, the expectations are often sky-high, with hopes that the player will become a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. However, not all draft picks turn out as planned, and some selections become sources of regret if the player fails to meet expectations.
The Arizona Cardinals’ decision to select linebacker/defensive weapon Isaiah Simmons in the 2020 NFL Draft was met with considerable excitement and anticipation. Simmons was viewed as a versatile, game-changing athlete with the potential to redefine the Cardinals’ defense. Yet, as the seasons have progressed, many fans, analysts, and possibly the team itself have questioned whether Simmons has lived up to the hype.
This comprehensive analysis explores the reasons behind the sentiment that the Cardinals might hope they didn’t draft Isaiah Simmons, examining his performance, impact on the team, expectations versus reality, and the broader implications of the decision.
I. The Draft Context: Why Isaiah Simmons Was Highly Valued
Before delving into the reasons for regret, it’s essential to understand why Simmons was considered such a valuable pick in the first place.
a. His College Career
Isaiah Simmons played at Clemson University, where he showcased remarkable versatility. His college highlights include:
Position Flexibility: Simmons played linebacker, safety, and edge rusher, demonstrating exceptional athleticism and football IQ.
Production: He accumulated impressive stats—team-leading tackles, sacks, and interceptions—despite being used in multiple roles.
Athletic Testing: At the NFL Combine, Simmons posted elite numbers—40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, exceptional vertical leap, and broad jump, confirming his explosive athleticism.
b. The NFL Draft Hype
Draft analysts projected Simmons as a “generational” talent capable of playing multiple linebacker and defensive back roles. His combination of size, speed, agility, and intelligence led many to believe he could be a defensive chess piece—an ultimate Swiss Army knife.
c. The Team’s Need
The Cardinals, at that point, sought to bolster their defense, which had struggled against the run and pass. Simmons was seen as a potential game-changer—someone who could help transform their defense into a top unit.
d. The Draft Selection
In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cardinals selected Simmons with the 8th overall pick—an early-round selection reflecting their high expectations. The decision signaled a commitment to building around his versatility and potential.
II. Initial Expectations Versus Reality
The hype surrounding Simmons created lofty expectations. The hope was that he would:
Be a Defensive Playmaker: Making game-changing plays—interceptions, sacks, tackles for loss.
Offer Versatility: Able to line up in multiple roles, confusing offenses.
Elevate the Defense: Contribute to a unit that consistently ranks among the league’s best.
Develop into a Leader: A cornerstone player for years.
However, the reality has been more complicated. Let’s examine how Simmons has performed relative to these expectations.
III. Performance Analysis: Where Has Isaiah Simmons Fallen Short?
a. Inconsistent Production
One of the primary frustrations is Simmons’s inconsistent production:
Tackles and Stats: While he’s accumulated tackles, his numbers have not approached the levels expected of a top-10 pick. He has not been a consistent high-impact playmaker.
Lack of Game-Changing Plays: Simmons has struggled to create turnovers or produce sacks at a sustainable rate. His interception and sack totals remain modest compared to other elite linebackers and hybrid defenders.
b. Limited Impact on the Field
Despite his athletic tools, Simmons often appears to be a player who flashes potential but fails to deliver game-altering plays regularly. Critics point out:
Poor Recognition: Sometimes slow to diagnose plays, leading to missed opportunities.
Inconsistent Assignment: Occasional blown coverages or missed tackles have hurt the defense.
c. Lack of Specialization and Role Clarity
One of Simmons’s strengths—versatility—has also been a weakness. Some argue that:
Positioning Challenges: The coaching staff has struggled to find the best role for Simmons, leading to inconsistency.
Limited Role Definition: Without a clear position, Simmons has been used in multiple roles, which may hinder his development and impact.
d. Injuries and Durability
Injuries have hampered Simmons’s ability to develop rhythm and consistency. Missed games and limited practice time have affected his ability to refine his skills and contribute fully.
e. Expectations of Star-Level Performance
Simmons was drafted with the expectation of becoming a star-level, game-changing defender. Instead, he has yet to consistently demonstrate elite-level impact or leadership.
IV. The Broader Impact: Has Simmons Been a Bust or a Miss?
The term “bust” is often debated in NFL circles, but for Simmons, many feel he has underdelivered relative to his draft position.
a. Comparing to Draft Peers
To contextualize, evaluating Simmons’s performance against other players drafted around him shows:
Some players have become Pro Bowlers or All-Pro selections.
Others have established themselves as reliable starters or stars.
Simmons remains a rotational player or a player with potential unfulfilled.
b. The Cost of the Draft Pick
Selecting Simmons at No. 8 overall meant giving up other potentially impactful players. The opportunity cost is significant; the team might have preferred a more specialized player who could have provided immediate, consistent production.
c. The Expectations of a Top-10 Pick
Top-10 picks are generally expected to become franchise players. Simmons, despite his athletic talent, has not yet fulfilled that potential, leading to the view that the pick has not yielded the expected return.
V. Why Do Some See Hope for Simmons?
While frustration persists, some analysts argue that Simmons still has room to grow:
Youth and Development: At a young age, he still has time to develop into a more consistent and impactful player.
Potential for Role Optimization: With clearer positional responsibilities and improved coaching, Simmons could unlock his full potential.
Sample Size and Circumstance: Injuries and coaching changes have affected his trajectory; perhaps circumstances will improve.
VI. The Team’s Perspective: Regret or Patience?
The Cardinals’ management and coaching staff have faced criticism for their handling of Simmons’s development. Some questions include:
Was the draft pick justified? Given his underwhelming production, some believe the team might regret the selection.
Have they misused him? Perhaps Simmons’s skills are better suited to a specific role that has not been fully exploited.
Are they patient enough? Young players often need time; patience may be warranted.
Nevertheless, given the high capital invested, the team might be feeling some regret or frustration at the lack of immediate impact.
VII. Broader Implications for the Cardinals
The Simmons draft selection highlights broader themes about NFL drafting:
a. Drafting for Potential Versus Production
Simmons was drafted primarily for his potential—athletic tools and versatility—rather than proven production. This gamble is common in the NFL but can backfire if development stalls.
b. The Risks of High Picks on Versatile Players
While versatility is valuable, it can sometimes hinder specialization and mastery. Teams must decide whether to draft players as positional specialists or multi-role assets.
c. Pressure on Young Players
High draft capital creates immense pressure to produce immediately, which can be detrimental to young players’ confidence and development.
VIII. Future Outlook: Can Simmons Still Live Up to Expectations?
Despite current frustrations, all hope is not lost. Several factors could influence Simmons’s future:
Coaching Changes: New defensive coordinators might better utilize his skill set.
Positional Refinement: Focusing him into a specific role, such as an outside linebacker or hybrid safety, could maximize his impact.
Health and Maturity: Staying healthy and gaining experience could unlock consistency.
Work Ethic and Development: Continued effort and proper mentorship might elevate his game.
Ultimately, Simmons’s career trajectory hinges on development, coaching, and circumstances aligning favorably.
IX. The Fan and Media Perspective
Fans and media often react emotionally to draft picks that don’t meet expectations:
Criticism of the Front Office: Some blame the team’s scouting and decision-making processes.
Questions about Player Evaluation: Skepticism about whether Simmons’s talent was accurately assessed.
Frustration Over Investment: Disappointment that a high pick has not translated into wins or on-field dominance.
However, it’s important to recognize that player development is uncertain, and many factors influence outcomes.
Did the Arizona Cardinals Make a Mistake with Isaiah Simmons?
The sentiment that the Cardinals hope they didn’t draft Simmons stems from their perception of his underwhelming impact and the high expectations set at the time of selection. While he possesses undeniable athletic talent, his inconsistent production, limited impact, and injury setbacks raise questions about whether he is living up to his draft status.
This situation underscores the inherent risks of NFL drafting—hoping that raw talent and potential translate into consistent performance. For Simmons, the path forward involves refinement, role clarity, and continued development. For the Cardinals, reflections on this decision may influence future drafting strategies and player development approaches.
Ultimately, whether Simmons becomes the player the team envisioned remains to be seen. But for now, the narrative that “the Cardinals wish they didn’t draft Simmons” persists among skeptics and frustrated fans alike, serving as a reminder of the unpredictability and high stakes of NFL drafting.
