The Arizona Cardinals defense has a lot riding on their young pair of former first-round pick linebackers, Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins. While they have confidence in them, there isn’t that same optimism outside of the building.
Pro Football Focus ranked all 32 teams’ linebacking corps and the Cardinals came in 30th out of 32.
A lot is riding on the development of Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons, who have simply not played well enough — especially for first-round picks. If the Cardinals had spent those picks elsewhere and held on to Jordan Hicks in free agency, they would be in a much better spot.
Because of the plan to lean on Collins, this ranking is probably fair. Simmons, even though he did have nice statistical production with 105 tackles, four forced fumbles. 1.5 sacks and an interception, he also gave up some plays.
Collins played well early in the season with limited work but injuries and bad practices led to Tanner Vallejo overtaking him.
The Cardinals did sign Nick Vigil, who could step in if things don’t work out well, but Vigil wouldn’t exactly move the needle.
Now, if Simmons develops this season into a Pro Bowl-level defender and Collins proves his worth in Year 2, this ranking will have to increase.
Until then, the best we can consider them is promising but mostly unproven.
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