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Top 10 Arizona Cardinals draft picks from last decade

By Aarron Van Buren

The Arizona Cardinals have plenty to smile about according to NFL draft grades for the 2019 NFL draft.Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals have plenty to smile about according to NFL draft grades for the 2019 NFL draft.Kyler Murray /
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Oct 25, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons (48) intercepts a pass by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (left) intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) during overtime at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons (48) intercepts a pass by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (left) intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) during overtime at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 6 on the top 10 Arizona Cardinals draft picks from the last decade: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

As the team’s most recent first-round pick, Isaiah Simmons struggled early but most of that wasn’t his fault.  Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph just didn’t know where to put the hybrid that is Simmons. It got off to a rocky start when the 49ers hit a 70+ yard passing touchdown that Simmons was the main coverage guy. However, he was a quick learner and when it mattered most, he made the biggest play of his rookie season by intercepting Russell Wilson in overtime (pictured above).

The team hadn’t beaten Seattle at home since the 2012 season, and for years Russell Wilson dominated the Cardinals inside the giant toaster. That was also the “Pete Carroll fourth timeout” game if anyone else remembers. Winning this game at home was a statement win heading into the bye week. The team was 5-2, and in first place in the NFC West. Then the Cardinals forgot to show up the latter half of the season and, well, here we are.

Imagining Simmons’ impact with a healthy Chandler Jones, J.J. Watt, Jordan Phillips is going to be extra scary next season.

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