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Arizona Cardinals' 2020 NFL draft analysis for every pick

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Isaiah Simmons' NFL draft profile (1:03)

Clemson's Isaiah Simmons has the modern-day build to play linebacker in the NFL and has the speed and length to contribute all over the field. (1:03)

The 2020 NFL draft is in the books, and the Arizona Cardinals' draft class is complete.

The draft, which had been scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, was successfully completed virtually from the homes of coaches, general managers and other front-office staff because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Here's a pick-by-pick look at how each player the Cardinals have selected will fit.

Analysis of every pick | Updated depth charts


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0:46
Josh Jones' NFL draft profile

Former Houston tackle Josh Jones' highlights show his versatility and ability to drive defenders off the ball.

Round 1, No. 8 overall: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

My take: There's no way the Cardinals could've passed on Simmons, who's widely considered the best defensive player in this year's draft. He's often referred to as a "positionless player," and with Arizona's issues defending tight ends over the years, Simmons can be that instant fix. He can also rush the passer, drop back into coverage, play safety ... basically he can do everything. Arizona spent the offseason rebuilding its defense and Simmons is the cherry on top. He complements the likes of Chandler Jones, Patrick Peterson, Jordan Phillips, Corey Peters and Jordan Hicks.

A little bit of this, a little bit of that: Simmons was the most versatile player in this year's draft. In 2019 at Clemson, he played 303 snaps at cornerback, 218 snaps at safety, 160 snaps at outside linebacker and 121 snaps at inside linebacker. He can play anywhere and everywhere on the field. That will give Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph the opportunity to draw up some exotic coverage schemes.

Arizona's TE solution: The Cardinals allowed a league-high 1,173 receiving yards, 8.9 yards per target and 16 touchdowns to opposing tight ends last season. Having Simmons, who's 6-foot-4 and 248 pounds, play in coverage either as a slot corner or at safety, the Cardinals might have found the answer to all their tight end problems.


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0:28
Rashard Lawrence's NFL draft profile

Take a look at some of the best moments from former LSU defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence.

Round 3, No. 72 overall: Josh Jones, OT, Houston

My take: The Cardinals got a steal by landing Josh Jones in the third round. During the lead-up to the draft, Arizona was connected to an offensive lineman in Round 1 but waited until Day 2 to get one who can come in and immediately compete for a starting job. Jones' athleticism makes him an idea candidate to protect quarterback Kyler Murray, especially helping him out in space. The only concern with Jones is how he'll transition to right tackle since D.J. Humphries is the Cardinals' left tackle.


Round 4, No. 114 overall: Leki Fotu, DT, Utah

My take: If there's one thing Fotu is, it's athletic. He's a former rugby player who improved throughout his career at Utah. He's a big kid -- 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds -- and is known for his run-stuffing ability. He'll be a good backup for Jordan Phillips and Corey Peters up front, especially on run downs. Fotu is still raw in some areas but, fortunately for him, he doesn't have to come in and play immediately and will be able to learn from two veterans such as Phillips and Peters. Fotu is the next piece of the Cardinals' defensive rebuild.


Round 4, No. 131 overall: Rashard Lawrence, DT, LSU

My take: The Cardinals are now overhauling their front seven -- not just rebuilding. Lawrence was the second straight defensive lineman the Cardinals drafted in the fourth round and gives the Cardinals depth. He's a bit undersized at 6-foot-2 and 308 pounds but was able to get to the quarterback and push the pocket at LSU. He'll have to get stronger to compete on a daily basis in the NFL but Lawrence went against some of the best offensive linemen in college football, many of whom are now in the NFL. He comes to the Cardinals after playing four years at LSU, capped off by winning the national title this past season, and was a team captain in 2019. Lawrence should be ready to play spot snaps throughout the season.

Round 6, No. 202 overall: Evan Weaver, ILB, Cal

My take: Another defensive pick for the team trying to rebuild its defense. Weaver is a tackling machine and one of those players who might not look the part but will get the job done. All the scouting reports on him basically paint the same picture: Someone who isn't as athletically gifted as most NFL players but has a high football IQ, loves the game, sees the field well and thinks through plays at a high level. He's figured out how to make for whatever physical limitations he supposedly has by trying to play one step ahead of everyone else on the field. Regardless, he's been putting up big numbers since high school. He's the type of player who could contribute on special teams immediate for Arizona and eventually play himself into a bigger role.

Round 7, No. 222 overall: Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State

My take: After trading David Johnson, running back depth became an immediate issue for the Cardinals. In Benjamin, Arizona gets a productive back who set the school record for yards in 2018. He'll come in and compete for playing time immediately, but won't likely see the field much behind Kenyan Drake and Chase Edmonds. He was recruited by Kliff Kingsbury out of high school, so there's a bit of familiarity with the style of offense Kingsbury runs. Benjamin is 5-foot-9, 209 pounds and quick, running a 4.57-second 40-yard dash and putting up strong numbers in the three-cone and shuttle drills. He'll likely find a bit role in the offense and potentially a larger role on special teams.