By Sunday 
How Arizona Fumbled the Bag on a Generational Talent
A Slow Burn That Could’ve Been a Blaze
Every once in a while, the NFL drafts a player who’s labeled a “unicorn” — someone with freakish talent, versatility, and athleticism. Isaiah Simmons was that guy in 2020. Coming off a jaw-dropping career at Clemson, he entered the league as a national champion, Butkus Award winner, and unanimous All-American. The Cardinals drafted him 8th overall. What followed, however, was a slow unraveling of potential — not because Simmons lacked ability, but because Arizona never really figured out how to use him.
Now, in 2025, Simmons is with the Green Bay Packers and feeling a bit more… grounded. In a recent interview, he offered a pointed but subtle reflection on his time in Arizona:
“I never really had that opportunity to really just hone in on one position. It’s hard enough to get into the NFL let alone stay, as well as be effective at a position, so just being able to lock in on one thing and do that 1/11 every day — that’s been… huge for me.”
That “one thing” line might seem small, but for Cardinals fans paying attention, it’s a gut punch.
From Swiss Army Knife to Coaching Afterthought
Isaiah Simmons wasn’t just versatile — he was too versatile for Arizona’s own good. According to Pro Football Focus, he logged NFL snaps as:
- Edge rusher
- Off-ball linebacker
- Strong safety
- Free safety
- Slot corner
- Boundary corner
That’s a résumé that screams “superstar,” if there’s a plan in place. But Arizona never had one. Instead, Simmons was thrown into different roles week to week, often mid-game, without time to master any.
Imagine trying to be great at six different jobs — while your bosses keep changing the rules.
Vance Joseph’s Whiplash Approach
Much of the blame for Simmons’ muddled usage falls at the feet of then-defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Early on, he benched Simmons after one mistake in his debut. He’d later yank him again just two weeks after a standout performance against Dallas. Simmons was expected to play linebacker one week, slot corner the next — and sometimes both in a single series.
When Simmons had a shot to shine — like during a stellar game vs. Philadelphia where he posted 13 tackles and excellent coverage stats — it didn’t matter. By the next year, Arizona had traded him to the Giants for a seventh-round pick. That’s practically pennies on the NFL market.
New Coach, New Role, New Hope?
Now with the Packers, Simmons has a fresh start and something he never had in Arizona: a defined job. Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley — who knows Simmons’ Clemson roots well — is giving him a single, focused position to master.
Simmons called it “huge.” And honestly? It shows.
At his best, Isaiah Simmons can lay hits like a missile and cover ground like a safety. But none of that matters if the coaching staff treats him like a plug-and-play gadget instead of the elite weapon he is.
Could It Have Been Different?
Absolutely. Arizona’s mismanagement isn’t just a sad player story — it’s an organizational failure. Simmons could’ve been a cornerstone defender for years, someone you build a scheme around. Instead, he was miscast, mishandled, and ultimately shipped off without ever reaching his ceiling.
“Mel Kiper said the team that drafts Simmons must have a plan. Arizona didn’t. The end.”
Let’s hope the Packers do.