GLENDALE –The Arizona Cardinals draft their third straight Ohio State Buckeye in three consecutive years at the NFL draft, with the selection of Cody Simon 115th overall. Simon marks the fourth straight defensive prospect that Arizona has selected in the 2025 NFL draft.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Simon capped off his five-year career at Ohio State with a national championship in his senior season, where he led the team in total tackles in the title game.
In his senior season, Simon was named captain and led the team with 112 tackles. As the Mike linebacker, Simon recorded 13 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and seven pass deflections. Simon led the Buckeyes’ defense to becoming national champions.
Jan 21, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon during CFP National Championship Champions press conference at The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Savannah Ballroom. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Simon on playing with the Cardinals:
“I talked to [Marvin Harrison Jr.] when he came to the (Ohio State) pro day,” Simon said. “I’m just so excited to be with some Buckeyes and with some guys I’m familiar with. It’s an awesome opportunity.”
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (0) reacts against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Simon earned a PFF grade of 87.7 for his time at Ohio State. He spent a majority of his snaps in the box but has over 100 covering the slot, which showcases the linebacker’s versatility. The 23-year-old stands at 6’2 and 229 pounds, slightly undersized, and ranked 15th in total Combine score with all linebackers in the draft.
Jonathan Gannon speaks about Walter Nolen during a news conference inside the Arizona Cardinals training facility on April 24, 2025, in Tempe. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Despite the average ranking, Simon has the production that caught the eyes of head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. The former Buckeyes’ linebacker has the leadership and intangibles to become a productive starter with Arizona.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
