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Most Likely NFL Teams to Draft Clemson's Isaiah Simmons

David Kaestle
Isaiah Simmons is almost certainly going to be a top-10 draft pick come April.
Isaiah Simmons is almost certainly going to be a top-10 draft pick come April. / Tom Pennington/Getty Images
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Buzz around the NFL Draft and the incoming prospects is heating up with the start of the NFL Combine this week in Indianapolis. While it's still early to have concrete answers on where a player will be drafted, there are a few teams you can pinpoint that are more likely to take a guy than others.

Clemson's Isaiah Simmons is one fo the most talented overall players in the draft, and even arguably the second-best defense prospect behind Ohio State's Chase Young. With a number of teams in the top half of the first round in need of a versatile linebacker/defensive back like Simmons, here are three of the most likely teams that could draft the Clemson product this April.

Isaiah Simmons Draft Projection

1. New York Giants (No. 4 Pick)

Daniel Jones throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Daniel Jones throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles. / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The New York Giants have been missing a star linebacker since Antonio Pierce retired, and the hole it's left in their defense has been gaping. Simmons is a versatile captain-of-the-defense-type guy, who lined up at nearly every defensive position for Clemson last season. While they have needs at both edge rusher and cornerback on this Giants' defense, Simmons would be a plug and play immediately and could make an impact on a number of ways. He would slot in perfectly with the Giants' 3-4 defense, giving him the ability to move around as a pass-rusher, run-stopper and to drop back in coverage, much like the way Markus Golden was used in New York last season.

2. Carolina Panthers (No. 7 Pick)

Christian McCaffrey will look to repeat his incredible 2019 season next year.
Christian McCaffrey will look to repeat his incredible 2019 season next year. / Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

The Panthers' defense could lose a number of significant contributors to free agency this offseason, but none are as important as the loss of star linebacker Luke Kuechly, who unexpectedly retired following the 2019 season. If they're looking to immediately replace Kuechly, then Simmons could be their guy. He would bring many of the same leadership qualities as well as more support for the run defense, an area where Carolina struggled immensely last season.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 9 Pick)

Jacksonville Jaguars will pick ninth in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars will pick ninth in the 2020 NFL Draft. / Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

While the Jaguars have a glaring need at cornerback following the trade of Jalen Ramsey, the only top-10 ranked CB on the board, Ohio State's Jeff Okudah, will certainly be gone by the time the Jags are on the clock. Addressing cornerback with their second first-round pick might be the more efficient option. Simmons would help fortify the Jags' front seven and bring them closer to the days of "Sacksonville," that seem like they're in the distant past at this point.

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David Kaestle is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, David also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username davekaestle. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.

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