After a long build-up, the 2020 NFL draft has come and gone quickly returning everyone back to the world of no sport. The Arizona Cardinals came into this draft without needing to worry about its quarterback after Kyler Murray was taken first overall last year. Free agency was a success headlined by the DeAndre Hopkins theft while adding defensive talent in Jordan Phillips and Devon Kennard.
Arizona’s needs heading into the draft were primarily in the offensive and defensive line departments, with depth needed just about everywhere else.
Round 1, Pick 8: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
When a freak athlete like Isaiah Simmons falls to you at pick 8, you take him straight away and do not look back. At 1.93m, 108 kg, Simmons was widely considered to be a top-3 player in the class but fell largely due to three quarterbacks going in the top-6. The two big threats that could prevent Arizona from landing the Clemson linebacker were the Giants at pick 4 and Panthers at pick 8. After the Giants took Andrew Thomas, all Cardinals fans were holding their breath when Roger Goodell read out Derrick Brown’s name as the newest Carolina Panther.
The Cardinal’s pass defense was dreadful in 2019, with opposing tight ends putting up season-high numbers every week. Simmons' unique blend of size and movement makes him perfectly suited to limit the impact of the best tight end in the league in George Kittle – who Arizona must play twice. Similarly, Simmons’ lateral quickness will hopefully be able to contain Russell Wilson. He was the first college player since Khalil Mack to have 100 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks and multiple interceptions in a season. The main question about this pick is if an offensive tackle would have filled a bigger need. However, Simmons has the talent to revolutionise the defense and now it is up to Vance Joseph to get the most out of him.
Grade: A
Round 3, Pick 72: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Josh Jones was one of the biggest steals of the draft. Some had him graded as a first-round pick, yet the Cardinals picked him up in the third. His athleticism and pass-protecting ability make him a high-upside talent to protect Murray in the future. Jones instantly made the few questioned not taking an offensive tackle at pick 8 happy. Jones will not likely be a day 1 starter given his weaknesses in run blocking and footwork. He was primarily a left tackle, a spot filled by DJ Humphries, so a season behind the aging Marcus Gilbert could do Jones wonders in the long run.
Grade: A
Round 4, Pick 114: Leki Fotu, DT, Utah
Leki Fotu is a strong, powerful defensive tackle out of Utah. Fotu had 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2019 and is solid value for a fourth-round pick. The Cardinals lacked defensive line depth so getting an absolute run stopper is handy. Fotu lacks the pass-rushing ability to be a three-down player in the NFL but can be successful as a two-down stuffer. This pick complements the Isaiah Simmons in that it really allows Arizona to dare other teams to pass (which ideally will be countered by extra defensive backs). My biggest question on this pick is if we should have gone an interior offensive lineman but despite his low ceiling, Fotu will be able to contribute straight away.
Grade: B-
Round 4, Pick 131: Rashard Lawrence, DT, LSU
Arizona doubled up on defensive linemen in the second round adding Rashard Lawrence out of LSU. Lawrence is an aggressive and relentless player with an NFL body and a football mindset. He is very well respected as a leader and a high effort player and unselfishly will do the dirty work for his team. I wonder about his upside – and with Jordan Phillips and now Fotu to compete with, playing time may be hard to come by. He needs to develop more tools to become a threat as a pass rusher as he is probably a below-average athlete. This was another defensive line depth pick that probably could have waited at least one round (once again I would rather IOL here). While this is not a great value pick, I think Lawrence could become a fan favourite with his character if he can develop enough to become a contributor.
Grade: C-
Round 6, Pick 202: Evan Weaver, LB, Cal
Another defensive pick and another linebacker. Evan Weaver is a tackling machine with 181 tackles (yes 181!), 3 forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks. Weaver is an old-school linebacker with amazing instincts and run-stopping skills. The consensus on him is that he lacks the athleticism to be a modern-day linebacker in the NFL. A high effort player, he continues the theme of picks with good character. He is the kind of guy that has always produced and at 202, Arizona is getting good value. him to be a special teams player who will earn snaps through effort.
Grade: B-
Round 7, Pick 222: Eno Benjamin, RB, ASU
There is no logical reason why Benjamin was still available this late in the draft. He was in talks to be a day 2 player, yet the Cardinals managed to keep the ASU player in Arizona with a 7th round pick. Benjamin is a perfect fit for Arizona – great vision, quick and good hands. Kingsbury could have some fun with him. Drake, Edmonds and Benjamin now form quite a formidable trio at the running back position. With Drake commanding a lot of snaps, and Edmonds picking up what is left, Benjamin may be left with scraps initially. However, he will be able to develop and is the kind of guy that does not need much to make an impact. Another great value pick and an easy A for a 7th-rounder.
Grade: A