KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Isaiah Simmons has first round pedigree, and that’s why he was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 8th overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night.
The former Olathe North standout and Clemson Tiger has versatility on the defensive ball that has captivated NFL scouts.
At 6-foot-4 and 230-pounds, he was a do-everything defender for the Tigers who had 104 total tackles, seven sacks and three interceptions in 2019.
Simmons produced at all three levels on defense at Clemson. He seamlessly transitioned from defending the deep pass to covering tight ends over the middle, thwarting running backs in the box and rushing the passer off the edge.
Playing up to five positions on an afternoon wasn’t uncommon nor physically too demanding for Simmons, and he’s said he doesn’t have a preference in the NFL.
“I like an interception just as much as I like getting a sack,” Simmons previously told the Associated Press. “I don’t think I have a favorite.”
Simmons spoke with FOX4’s Harold Kuntz mere hours before the first round of the draft began Thursday.
Watch his full interview in the video at the top of the page where he chats about his excitement for the big night, what the process has been like and how he’s sold himself to NFL teams, and his love for Olathe North.
Click on this link to watch special draft coverage with FOX4 Sports and special guests.
