Isaiah Simmons trade grades: Giants acquire former top 10 pick from Cardinals to bolster defense

The New York Giants are obtaining flexible defender Isaiah Simmons from the Arizona Cardinals, CBS Sport NFL Insider Jonathan Jones has showed. The Giants are sending a 2024 seventh-round draft selection to Arizona, consistent with ESPN. Simmons, who was once the No. 8 general variety within the 2020 NFL Draft, is getting into the general yr of his rookie contract after Arizona declined his fifth-year choice previous this offseason.

First-year head trainer Jonathan Gannon elected to transfer on from the lengthy, gifted defender who hasn’t ever settled into one explicit function since arriving in Arizona. When Gannon arrived, Simmons had one request.

“I told them I didn’t want to play linebacker. I felt more comfortable getting back to things I had done in the past,” Simmons stated, via the team’s site.   

Just days in the past, the trainer claimed that he favored what he had observed from the Nebraska local.

“He’s been reliable back there, which is the first trait of a safety to me,” Gannon stated. “He’s in the right spot all the time. He shows range and some hitting ability, a little bit of coverage ability, downhill striking ability. Long way to go, but I like where he is at.”

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The 25-year-old has but to leave out a sport in his NFL profession, beginning 37 occasions. Over the previous 3 seasons, he has gathered 258 general tackles, 7.5 sacks, seven compelled fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 4 interceptions. 

Simmons coated up within the slot on 45.6% of defensive snaps final season. He performed down within the field for almost all of his last snaps, however the Clemson product noticed snaps at unfastened protection and cornerback as neatly. Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has all the time completed prime charges of guy protection so Simmons’ athleticism must be put to just right use overlaying in house. 

Arizona performs host to the Giants in Week 2 of the common season.

Giants trade grade: B

The trade does now not transfer the needle in both course very a lot. Simmons is an intriguing have compatibility for Martindale’s defensive objectives however he has confirmed little to this level in his profession. His ability set lets in New York to fit other team of workers teams.

Cardinals trade grade: C+

If Arizona had made up our minds Simmons was once now not a have compatibility for what it sought after to do on defense, then getting anything else in go back for him is a good. However, it’s unimaginable to shake the sunk value of a first-round pick. The go back on funding is moderately low.