Arizona Cardinals: What are the plans for De’Vondre Campbell?
By Kyler Burd
What should the Cardinals do with De’Vondre Campbell after drafting Isaiah Simmons?
When the Arizona Cardinals signed former Atlanta Falcons linebacker De’Vondre Campbell to a one-year, $8.5 million deal back in March there was warranted excitement from many fans.
Campbell had been the leading tackler in Atlanta in 2019 with 129 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. In Atlanta’s 34-33 loss to Arizona, he had 8 solo tackles including one for loss.
Last season, the Cardinals defense was the worst in the league at covering the tight end. The addition of Campbell was seen as an attempt to rectify that issue as he said himself that he feels capable of covering any tight end in the NFL.
When Isaiah Simmons dropped to No.8 in the draft the Cardinals were smart to snatch him up. Simmons has often been described by coaches and teammates as a “unicorn” for his ability to play multiple defensive positions at a high level. There is also a hope inside and outside the organization that Simmons will be able to cover the tight end.
Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph has stated that Simmons will be a linebacker with the Cards but remains open to using the multi-talented young player in a variety of ways. Although Simmons might occasionally move around the defense, he will more than likely spend the majority of his time at inside linebacker.
Campbell was specifically targeted by the Cardinals in free agency but now will be forced to share snaps at inside linebacker with Simmons and veteran Jordan Hicks.
It seems possible there will be certain packages that have Simmons opposite Chandler Jones on a blitz and in these scenarios Campbell will almost certainly be at inside linebacker next to Hicks. These packages will leave out another free agency signing, Devon Kennard, but the speed of Simmons and the coverage skills of Campbell will be more beneficial than keeping Kennard on the field.
As a four-year veteran, Campbell is also a candidate to backup Hicks at middle linebacker.The leader of the defense, Hicks played every single defensive snap of 2019. He made it through the season uninjured but previous concerns over his health might convince Joseph to put a green sticker on Campbell’s helmet at times to give Hicks a breather.
Next. Arizona Cardinals have difficult decisions to make in 2021. dark
2020 is an important year for Campbell who took the one-year deal with the Cardinals when other offers didn’t materialize in free agency. He will be out to prove that he is worth a multi-year, big money contract after this season is over. Campbell will undoubtedly look to make the most of each snap he gets.