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Cardinals GM: Simmons' future 'certainly bright' despite early benchings

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Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim isn't overly concerned about top-10 pick Isaiah Simmons, who's been benched in back-to-back weeks to begin his career.

"I think we're fortunate enough to limit some of the snaps to some degree, but the only way he's going to get better is to get out there and see things," Keim said Friday on Arizona Sports 98.7. "Love his attitude, he works his tail off, he's in studying film with (linebackers coach) Billy Davis and (defensive coordinator) Vance Joseph. I feel like his future is certainly bright."

The Cardinals gave Simmons a pair of starts to open the season, but he wound up playing a mere 25 defensive snaps in the two games combined. He was burned in coverage by George Kittle and Raheem Mostert of the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1, and tossed aside with ease by Washington's Morgan Moses when trying to rush the passer in Week 2.

A linebacker by trade, Simmons was considered the most versatile defender in the 2020 draft. Arizona selected the Clemson product, who wowed scouts at the NFL combine with his physical traits, eighth overall.

"His athleticism and all those sort of things that come with his skill set to me are tremendous," said Keim. "I think he's a guy that will continue to grow throughout this season. And just like (sophomore quarterback) Kyler (Murray) - it's no different - we saw Kyler last year make some mistakes and he's continued to improve as well."

Simmons was credited with four tackles over the first two games.

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