July 18, 2021

After a stellar 2019 season that saw Jordan Hicks finish as the number one player overall in IDP leagues, he took a major step back in 2020. Hicks finished with 118 tackles (78 solo), 11 tackles for loss, and one interception in his second season with the Cardinals. Hicks regressed in every statistical category except tackles for loss last year despite playing 92% of the defensive snaps for his team. In 2021, look for Hicks to produce similar numbers on defense. Arizona still has Budda Baker playing a versatile in the box safety and Isaiah Simmons will be entering the next season as another Swiss army knife-style weapon. Simmons started slowly last season before seeing his role grow, especially taking repetitions at inside linebacker late in the year. Simmons will always have the ability to play multiple positions, but ultimately the Cardinals started his career as an inside linebacker and like the speed he brings to that position. Beyond that, Arizona used their first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to add another size/speed freak in middle linebacker Zaven Collins. Collins is another chess piece defender, but he will likely see the field and relegate Hicks to a more specific role on run downs. Hicks will still register tackles, but his upside is very limited when compared to other younger middle linebackers in today's NFL.--Dan Fornek