The Arizona Cardinals Impressive Draft Performance 2020

Talia Massi April 30, 2020

JMC 306

SCOTTSDALE, Ari. -- The Arizona Cardinals were quite successful in the 2020 NFL Draft.
With six picks throughout seven rounds, the Arizona Cardinals selected:

RD1 – LB Isaiah Simmons (No. 48)

RD3 – OT Josh Jones (No. 79)
RD4 – DT Leki Fotu (No. 95)
RD4 – DE Rashard Lawrence (No. 92)
RD6 – LB Evan Weaver (No. 50)
RD7 – RB Eno Benjamin (No. 26)

In reference to his draft picks, General Manager Steve Keim said, “They bring leadership, they
bring toughness, their productive, and again um they are guys that we really felt fit the cardinal
way.”

The Arizona Cardinals easily lucked out by acquiring Isaiah Simmons, the eighth overall pick
from Clemson University. Simmons is an outstanding linebacker, but his versatility on defense is
a big win for the Cardinals. Last year, the Cardinals struggled on the defensive end. They need a
guy like Simmons to make big plays. Simmons chose number 48 because Arizona is the 48th
state.

Arizona Cardinals Draft Class of 2020 -- Image courtesy of @AZCardinals

As for Kyler Murray, last year he won Offensive Rookie of the Year and had some notable high
points. However, he was inconsistent and needs to refine some of his skills to make The Arizona
Cardinals playoff contenders.

Along with six notable selections, The Arizona Cardinals agreed to terms with 21 undrafted
rookie free agents. The Cardinals also acquired DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Houston
Texans. The DeAndre trade was arguably one of the best trades in the free agency this year.
Murray now has another wide receiver to depend on, besides Larry Fitzgerald and Christian
Kirk.

Traded for DeAndre was David Johnson. He had a terrible second half of the season, making this
trade a big win for The Cardinals. After losing this running back to the Texans, The Cardinals
acquired Eno Benjamin from Arizona State University. Eno did some great things at ASU, and
now he gets to stay here in Arizona and hopefully continue that trend. “Really excited about
him,” Keim, said.

Looking ahead, fans are hopeful the 2020-2021 NFL Season will start on time due to the
coronavirus pandemic. If the season is carried out, The Arizona Cardinals have a lot to prove, but
they a lot of new talent. These new players can hopefully give The Cardinals a shot at a playoff
run and maybe even a Superbowl ring. “I think the future is bright,” Keim said.

Steve Kiem quotes were aquired from an Arizona Cardinals Press Conference posted on April
27, 2020.