Isaiah Simmons may end up the best player in the 2020 Draft
The ‘hot talk’ for how the Miami Dolphins should use their first pick in the 2020 Draft is mostly focused around Quarterbacks and Offensive Tackles. Obviously, you can’t fault this logic in the least. The Phins haven’t had a franchise quarterback in two decades and the Offensive Line has been a turnstile for half that time. Any Phin fan has pulled out half their hair over these issues… year after year. But, when you look at all that Isaiah Simmons brings to the table–and it’s a ton, maybe he makes as much sense…
... or maybe even more sense considering his special talents and who will likely be available with the 5th Pick?
What’s been the biggest pet peeves of Phins fans over the last several years?
- Poor quarterback play
- Poor offensive line play
- Inability to stop opposing tight ends
- Incomplete linebackers
- Substandard pass rush
You can bet with the best bookie software sites that Isaiah Simmons will remedy three of these five core issues. Not too shabby!
Joe Burrow and Chase Young obviously stand out as the possibly bigger hits for Miami, but they will be off the board within the first 3 picks. And while there are three very good options at Tackle in Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills, and Andrew Thomas with Mekhi Becton as an intriguing 4th option, Simmons brings a unique opportunity unlike any player in the draft.
Given all of his film and insane combine, Simmons fits perfectly in the crucial role of ‘Swiss Army Knife’ player that Brian Flores needs for his defense. He’s far more capable than Patrick Cheung and Minkah Fitzpatrick. This kid is an upgraded Derwin James who could fuel a special defense for the Dolphins for a decade.
No isn’t an exaggeration. Simmons offers the potential for the Phins to draft a generational talent.
Simmons has the look of a generational talent
Back in December, I wrote this but never expected Simmons to explode onto the scene the way he has: “LB ISAIAH SIMMONS, CLEMSON: Miami struggles in the middle of the field and neither Baker or McMillan are complete players. Simmons is the total package and he is built in the mold of Brian Urlacher. Perfect for modern football. Simmons is a unique player in this draft and fits Miami’s scheme perfectly. Still, is he worth the extra picks in a trade back? I’ll say this, he is a very intriguing player. “
I still don’t know if Simmons would be worth the 2-3 blue-chip picks Miami could net for him if someone desperately wants his services with the 5th Pick. But, I’ll tell you this, since I wrote that article I’ve moved a lot closer to taking Simmons instead of the picks.
Simmons might not even last until the 5th Pick
Think about the potential. PFF Graded Simmons elite at every phase from coverage, to pass rush, to tackle! Add to this that he has the fastest forty time of any linebacker in 14 years. This kid could even line up wide to cover receivers on occasion. No, I’m not kidding.
As per PFF, ” Simmons is one part linebacker, one part safety, one part whatever you want him to be. He’s got a freaky build at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds and freaky athleticism. He’s broken up 13 passes on 756 coverage snaps in his career and picked off two others.”
Imagine if Brian Urlacher played in this era and how perfectly his skillset would have suited today’s game. His amazing Hall of Fame career would be even more impressive and his body wouldn’t have had to take the brutal beatings it did grinding it out on a heavy diet of stopping the inside run. Simmons really looks to be Urlacher reincarnated… but faster! Now that’s an intriguing possibility compared to rolls of the dice at quarterback or pretty good tackles. No?
In the end, I see Simmons as strong possibilities for the Giants and Lions, so he might not even be an option for the Phins. But what if he is? Makes me say, hmmm?! How about you? Go Phins!!!