Isaiah Simmons projected as Cardinals' most improved player

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons entered the NFL with lofty expectations coming out of Clemson.

As a rookie, he garnered 54 combined tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. He also only started seven games, despite suiting up for all 16. There’s reason to believe Simmons could be in for a breakout sophomore campaign though. Cynthia Frelund, an NFL Network analytics expert, projected each team’s most improved player in 2021. Entering his second season, she tabbed Simmons as Arizona’s projected most improved player.

Isaiah Simmons came on strong to end the year

Simmons only started seven games as a rookie and struggled to see the field consistently early in the season. In the second half of the season, Simmons appeared in over 50% of available snap counts in four of the final nine games of the season, a positive development after not appearing in more than 30% of available snaps in the first seven games. That is a strong sign for Simmons’ development according to Frelund.

“Simmons’ versatility coming out of Clemson was a huge factor in his NFL potential, but this projection is fueled by later-season progress,” she said. “Perhaps suggesting the lack of regular camp and preseason games last year initially stunted his growth”

Arizona has had their fair share of success with versatile players. Since 2010, the Cardinals have had success with players like Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu, who both played a variety of roles in their time in Arizona. Just last season, Budda Baker earned first-team All-Pro honors and Arizona has utilized him in a number of roles as well. With his feet wet and a full offseason to continue to find his footing, Simmons could reach similar heights.

Offseason additions will help

Simmons had success rushing the passer as a rookie. According to Frelund, the Clemson product pressured opposing QBs on 13.8 percent of pass rushes (eight of 58, per Next Gen Stats). The addition of first-round pick Zaven Collins should only help Simmons key in on his pass rushing ability.

Blake Murphy from Revenge of the Birds reported Simmons will see more time off the edge this season.

Looks like there is some usage off the Edge for Isaiah Simmons this year

— Blake Allen Murphy (@blakemurphy7) July 31, 2021

With Collins expected to take on more of a traditional linebacker role, Simmons should have more flexibility to rush the passer, drop into coverage like a safety and even take on a role in nickel packages.

Isaiah Simmons thrived in a number of roles in his time at Clemson, taking snaps at cornerback, safety, inside and outside linebacker, among other roles. In his first year in Arizona, he saw time at inside linebacker, outside linebacker, safety and slot cornerback

The Cardinals also added former NFL All-Pro J.J Watt to their defense this offseason. The former Texan is still one of the most feared defenders in the league when healthy. Paired with Chandler Jones, not only can that duo strike fear in any offensive coordinator, it can also open up more favorable matchups for Simmons in pass rush situations.