2020 NFL Draft: Grading and analyzing all 255 picks for all 32 teams
32. Scouting Report. NFC West. Arizona Cardinals. . Pick Analysis. 4th place. player
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson
- 2. Josh Jones, OT, Houston
- 3. Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
- 4. Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU
- 5. Evan Weaver, LB, Cal
- 6. Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State
Top pick: Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson
The Arizona Cardinals stayed put with their top pick instead of trading down like many thought they would, and they also passed on an offensive lineman, which was the direction many expected them to go.
They stayed put and took Isaiah Simmons, the most versatile player in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson.
Simmons is slated to play linebacker for Vance Joseph’s defense, but he will likely move all over the formation. He’s a weapon in so many ways.
Steal: OT Josh Jones, Houston – 3rd round
Josh Jones was in the first round of my final mock draft of the 2020 NFL Draft season, and I actually had him going to the Cardinals in a trade down scenario.
The fact that they were able to get him in the third round is highway robbery. He has starter traits and potential. It might not take long before he’s in the Cardinals’ lineup.
Overall Grade: A++
I don’t see a flaw in this draft class, especially when you consider the Cardinals were able to acquire DeAndre Hopkins for the low price of a second-round pick, basically. The final terms of that deal were running back David Johnson and a 2nd-rounder for Hopkins and a 4th-rounder.
With Simmons on top of this draft class and the acquisition of Hopkins, you could give the Cardinals an “A” already.
The fact that they went and added Josh Jones in the third-round bumps that “A” up to an “A+” and the picks after that bump it up to an “A++”, my highest grade in this draft.
Leki Fotu and Rashard Lawrence are both strong leaders and captain-type players who can contribute to this defensive line rotation as rookies.
Evan Weaver might be somewhat limited athletically but he’s smart enough to earn a role at some point.
Eno Benjamin was predicted to be a 4th-round pick at the worst, and to get him in the 7th was a tremendous value for Arizona.