The heart of Ohio State's title-winning defense projected to be Day 1 starter despite falling in 2025 NFL Draft
As if coming off a career season with 112 tackles and seven sacks wasn't enough for Cody Simon, the recipient of Ohio State's prestigious Block O jersey, his NFL outlook is looking stronger by the day. Hearing his name called as the fourth-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals put a cherry on top of a four-month span […]
As if coming off a career season with 112 tackles and seven sacks wasn't enough for Cody Simon, the recipient of Ohio State's prestigious Block O jersey, his NFL outlook is looking stronger by the day. Hearing his name called as the fourth-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals put a cherry on top of a four-month span that started when Simon won a National Championship.
The Buckeyes' defensive captain and representative was projected to be selected even later than the fourth round, so the Cardinals' investment isn't insignificant. While Simon's statistical profile was impressive, he didn't have a hot name despite being a versatile defender.
Grading as an elite run stopper and pass-rusher for an off-ball linebacker, Simon brings clear value for creative defensive coordinators. Jonathan Gannon certainly qualifies.
Having a runway to playing early in 2025 is another positive of Simon going to Arizona.
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter explained why Simon is one of the 2025 rookies most likely to start.
Kyzir White's contract ran out and he remains unsigned, creating an opening in the Cardinals' linebacker corps. Simon can drop into coverage effectively and looks like he's shot out of a cannon when blitzing in the A-gap or coming off the edge. I suspect he'll be a factor on special teams and should be lining up with the 1s at some point in the season, if not for the opener.
Simon's coverage effectiveness was never impressive at Ohio State, allowing 86% of 43 targets for 328 yards in 2024, but the rest of his game was terrific. He registered an elite 10.8% missed tackle rate and broke up 11 passes over the course of his career.
Arizona already had Marvin Harrison Jr. and Paris Johnson, but also added Simon, Denzel Burke, and Josh Fryar in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Buckeyes always travel to Tempe, AZ, well, and are now well-represented in the desert.
