Isaiah Simmons Rumors: 'Cardinals Thought There Was No Chance' LB Would Fall

One team riding high after the first round of the 2020 NFL draft are the Arizona Cardinals, who landed Isaiah Simmons with the eighth overall pick.

Per The Athletic's Scott Bordow, the Cardinals entered Thursday "thinking there was no chance" Simmons would be available when they made their selection.

Arizona's feeling was nearly proved right, as ESPN's David Newton reported the Carolina Panthers had Simmons ranked as the best pure athlete in the class but "felt he was a better fit for a veteran team because of his ability to play so many positions."

The Panthers wound up selecting Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown at No. 7.

Simmons was seen as the most unique prospect in this year's draft class because of his versatility on defense.

B/R's Matt Miller called the former Clemson star "one of the most athletically gifted prospects of the last decade" and cited his ability to successfully play cornerback, linebacker, slot cornerback, edge-rusher and safety.

Per Pro Football Focus' Michael Renner, Simmons played a total of 738 snaps at five different positions last season.

The Cardinals entered the draft with multiple needs on the defensive side. They ranked 28th in scoring defense (27.6 points allowed per game), 31st in pass defense (281.9 yards allowed per game) and last in total defense (402 yards allowed per game).

Simmons' versatility essentially allows the Cardinals to fill various spots on a week-to-week basis, depending on their opponent. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury can have him spy the opposing quarterback by playing linebacker or defend against the slot receiver in a given game.