5 prospects the Vikings don’t want to see in the NFC North in 2020

(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) Isaiah Simmons
(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) Isaiah Simmons /
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) Isaiah Simmons /

Isaiah Simmons – S/LB

Isaiah Simmons is a dynamic player who can line up just about anywhere on the defense. In fact, he played every position on defense during his career at Clemson except for nose tackle.

He is a true physical freak at 6-foot-4, 238 pounds, and he runs a sub-4.4 time in the 40-yard dash. He is a rare breed and he is a guy who can do it all.

Simmons isn’t just fast, he’s a smooth and fluid athlete. He moves like a defensive back, but he looks like a linebacker. He is an extremely effective blitzer, but he can also drop back into coverage.

His numbers from a season ago are staggering. Simmons totaled 104 tackles, 28.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He’s a one-man wrecking crew and he will immediately improve the defense he ends up playing for.

It’s unclear where Simmons’ final position will be in the NFL, but that will ultimately be determined by where he ends up.

Simmons will likely be off the board after the first five picks of this year’s draft and the only NFC North team the Vikings have to worry about taking him is the Detroit Lions. They hold the third overall pick and while they are tied to Jeffrey Okudah in most mocks, Simmons also makes a ton of sense for them.

Minnesota would hate having to face this guy twice a year as he has the potential to take over games and destroy opposing offenses.