2020 NFL Draft 1st Round Grades: Arizona Cardinals get differing marks for selection of Isaiah Simmons

It was one of the players the Arizona Cardinals had set their sights on from the jump.

When the Arizona Cardinals made the first move of their offseason in trading for DeAndre Hopkins, they were able to refocus what they would do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Now, with Isaiah Simmons in the fold they have what they hope is the answer they need to some of the best offensive weapons in the NFC West.

What do the analyst from around the league think?

Let’s take a look.

CBS Sports via Pete Prisco: B-

Sporting News via Vinnie Iyer: A+

USA Today For the Win via Steven Ruiz: C-

Mocking the Draft SB Nation via Dan Kadar: B

Yahoo! Sports via Eric Edholm: A-

NBC Sports via Tom E. Curran: A

The Ringer via Danny Kelly: A+

Sports Illustrated via Andy Benoit: B-

Bleacher Report via Mike Tanier: B

DraftKingsNation via David Fucillo: A+

That is ten experts right now, so let’s see where the grade falls after we average everything out: 3.31 would be the GPA, which is equivalent to a B+.

I think a B+ is fair actually, and let me explain why.

Simmons the player is an A, no question, he gets a 4.0 as a player (on a scale of 4.0).

Well, Vance Joseph’s history as a head coach and defensive coordinator would be equivalent to a “C” if we are being fair. He’s been downright bad some of the time and he’s had some good moments. A “C” is a 2.0 on the grading scale. That is equal to a 3.0 when you mix it together.

Now, the additions of Jordan Phillips, Devon Kennard and De’Vondre Campbell also should mean that Simmons should not have to be pigeon holed into any one position this season. He should be able to work as a true chess piece on defense that allows the Cardinals to put him in his best positions to be successful... and yes that does say positions.

A 3.3 or B+ average is about right, for now.

What do you grade the Arizona Cardinals pick of Isaiah Simmons?