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Isaiah Simmons 2020 Outlook: A Potential All-Around Star
5 years agoArizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons collected 253 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 22 pass breakups, 10 turnovers, and a 2019 Butkus Award throughout 44 games at Clemson. Simmons did all of this despite splitting his time between three positions. That type of versatility is rare, and it’s what leads many to compare him to Darius Leonard, who is arguably the best defensive player in fantasy football. While most linebackers in fantasy are usually just tackling machines and little more, Leonard can regularly add fantasy points through interceptions, sacks, and passes defended. That type of scoring potential has made Leonard an IDP star, and it’s enough to make Simmons a top-20 fantasy LB without him ever playing an NFL snap. Simmons’ potential isn’t just as a top-notch fantasy LB, however. The Cardinals could give Simmons enough snaps at safety to earn him dual-position eligibility as a DB or S. That kind of potential, a fantasy DB who can get you elite LB numbers, is rarified air in IDP leagues. That’s why Simmons’ current average fantasy rank of LB29 and as the 54th overall defensive prospect is too low. He should be a top-20 LB in fantasy right now, with the potential to be a top-5 DB/S if he earns that eligibility.
