New England Patriots: 2020 NFL Draft trade up targets
By Ian Higgins
Combine Results. LB. player. 47. Pick Analysis. Clemson. Isaiah Simmons. 11
The dynamic safety/linebacker hybrid out of Clemson, Isaiah Simmons put up one of the most impressive combine performances paired with a stellar season at Clemson. His ability to slide between weakside linebacker against the run to slot corner in man coverage to a box-safety in zone coverage makes him a swiss army knife of a defensive player that Belichick can tinker and play with to best fit a defensive scheme from week to week.
Another benefit of adding Simmons to a defensive unit is his ability to cover the mismatch tight ends that have become so popular in the NFL, currently highlighted by Travis Kelce and George Kittle. With a similar build and athletic portfolio to Kam Chancellor, Jalen Ramsey, and Eric Berry, Simmons has the strength, length, and speed to keep up with these overgrown wideouts who have taken over the league.
Simmons is a unique player that New England would love to have on their roster, filling holes presented by the impending future departure of safety Patrick Chung and likely free agency casualties linebackers Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy. Bill Belichick has had a collection of impressive defensive players throughout his coaching career (ex: Lawrence Taylor) and could make the most out of Simmons and his unique skill set.