New England Patriots: Potential defensive targets in 2020 NFL Draft

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers catches the ball as Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers defends in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Isaiah Simmons – S, Clemson

Isaiah Simmons had a breakout year in 2019 for Clemson and is one of the top defensive backs heading into this year’s draft.

He finished 2019 with 104 total tackles (16.5 for loss), 8 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Simmons is definitely going in the first round, but there’s a slight chance the New England Patriots will have a chance to select him.

At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, the versatility of Simmons allowed Clemson to let him play linebacker for most of 2019. He’s long, strong, and considered to be a combo player (dynamic enough to play multiple positions on the defensive end).

Realistically, Simmons can play safety, linebacker, and even defensive end as a pass rusher coming off the edge. His never-ending motor is what sets him apart and makes him unique.

Throughout his career at Clemson, Simmons accounted for 238 tackles (28.5 for loss), 11 sacks, and 4 interceptions (1 touchdown). In doing so, Simmons was named the Butkus Award recipient (2019), First-Team All American (2019), First-Team All-ACC (2019), ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2019), and winner of a CFP National Championship (2018).

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It would be a lot of fun watching Bill Belichick design a dynamic defense with a versatile player like Simmons who could pretty much line up anywhere. As the team is looking to build for the next chapter of their historic franchise, a player like Simmons would be a true asset for the New England Patriots moving forward.

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