Ian Rapoport explains Isaiah Simmons' position change

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons underwent a position change this offseason to more of a pass rusher role, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

The former Clemson star was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft as an inside linebacker. While successful so far in Arizona, Simmons could be unleashed in his new role.

At least that’s how Rapoport put it, citing new head coach Jonathan Gannon and staff.

“Yeah, I mean, there’s actually like several Cardinals draft picks in a row that were linebackers sort of, that needed to find like, kind of a spot,” Rapoport said on the Pat McAfee Show. “And I think for him, like he is super, super talented, super athletic, obviously has bounced around a little bit and tried to find his place. Like, maybe this is it. And it is actually interesting what — like, Haason Reddick kind of dealt with this and then found he was a pass rusher and has made a lot of money doing it. 

“New coaching staff, new eyeballs, new ideas, like I think they are going to be coached well. And maybe this is what takes him from being a really talented player who’s up and down to someone who’s just a great performer.”

Last season was another productive one for Simmons. He finished with 99 total tackles, 68 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks (career high), two interceptions, seven pass deflections, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one defensive touchdown.

In three seasons, Simmons has 258 total tackles, 181 solo tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, four interceptions, 16 pass deflections, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one touchdown.

The sack numbers are down for a premier defensive player, but scheming him out on the edge could pay dividends.

To be fair, Simmons wasn’t a huge sack guy in college either. His career high was eight during his final season in 2019.

However, he was a tackling machine with 238 total tackles in three years as a starter. He had a knack for the ball too with four interceptions.

As a member of the Class of 2016, Simmons was a four-star recruit out of Olathe (Kan.) North, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the state, the No. 36 linebacker in the class and the No. 338 overall prospect in the class.