The Cardinals let LB Jordan Hicks walk in free agency this offseason, clearing the way for LB Zaven Collins to enter the starting lineup in Year 2. He has been working there so far in training camp. According to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, Collins and Nick Vigil have been the starting ILBs in the base defense. Collins has called plays in the huddle at times (green dot) but is also coming off the field in nickel and dime packages. "He's got to be able to diagnose it, see it and go, and not wait on the play to come to him," HC Kliff Kingsbury says. "I think last year he was kind of waiting for everything to unwind. I think he's still learning, but there's no doubt he's reacting faster than last year at this time." There's still time for Collins to earn more of a 3-down role, but we've moved him down our 2022 IDP rankings. The role uncertainty makes him a boom/bust fantasy option. Isaiah Simmons, meanwhile, has shifted to the "star" LB role, which will move him around the formation. Somers writes that he "seems to have a role in every package."

The Cardinals selected Tulsa LB Zaven Collins with the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Collins is enormous, at 6’5, 259, but his 4.71-second 40 time gives him a 70th-percentile speed score among LBs. Collins made plays regularly in the backfield, logging 25 tackles for loss over his 32 games. He added 8 career passes defensed, with 4 INTs in 2020 alone (8 games). Collins could immediately challenge the roles of either 2020 first-rounder Isaiah Simmons or EDGE Devon Kennard. Simmons never settled into a regular role as a rookie and could remain a moving piece. We'll see what Arizona reveals about its plan.

Cardinals LB De'Vondre Campbell (ankle) and LB Isaiah Simmons (neck, back) are active for today's game against the Giants. Both guys entered the day questionable. Campbell didn't practice this week, so he certainly doesn't pop as a safe play for IDP lineups. Simmons has remained behind Campbell in playing time, so Campbell's presence makes him a weak IDP bet as well.

Cardinals LB De'Vondre Campbell (ankle) and LB Isaiah Simmons (neck, back) are questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants. Campbell missed practice all week and should not be in IDP lineups. Simmons sustained his injury during the practice week, missing Thursday and then putting in a limited Friday workout. he'll be a risky IDP option even if Campbell is inactive.

The Cardinals selected Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons with the 8th pick of the NFL Draft. Simmons is most commonly viewed as a LB, but some NFL teams reportedly see him as more of a safety. He spent plenty of snaps at both positions for the Tigers, as well as every other spot on the defense besides DT. Simmons arrives with a vaulted fantasy ceiling that includes upside across categories. His primary position should be ILB, but Simmons could see significant DB snaps and possibly impact Budda Baker's role. He'll rank among the top picks for dynasty rookie drafts with IDPs.