Isaiah Simmons has had an interesting NFL career so far.
The former first round pick was selected 8th overall in 2020 to the Arizona Cardinals.
Simmons spent his first three seasons there where he had decent seasons in 2021 and 2022.
But once the Cardinals hired Jonathan Gannon as the head coach in 2023, Simmons didn’t fit his defesive scheme.
In 2023, Simmons was traded to the New York Giants where he spent most of his time playing special teams.
Simmons then signed as a free agent to the Packers on a one year deal this year.
For Isaiah Simmons, he is looking for a fresh start after being with 2 teams in his first 6 years in the NFL.
Why the Packers signed Isaiah Simmons?
The Packers love to have versatile pieces on their team.
Whether it is offense or defense, it doesn’t matter.
If you have the athleticism to be able to move around on ether side of the ball that is a plus.
Simmons fits that mold of being a versatile player.
While in Arizona Simmons played all over on defense.
He was more of a hybrid between a linebacker and strong safety.
Simmons had some success while playing that hybrid role.
In 2021, he had 105 tackles, four forced fumbles and seven passes defensed.
In 2022, he had 99 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and seven passes defensed.
Even dating back to his days playing at Clemson , he was all over the field.
Furthermore, Simmons can play special teams as well.
That is where he contributed during his time in New York from 2023-2024.
Focused on playing linebacker
Even though the Packers love his versatility, the team seems to think he will help at the Linebacker position.
During minicamp, Simmons talked about focusing on just playing Linebacker.
“I think really what I ran into most of my career is everybody wants me to do everything, as opposed to letting me get really good at one thing first,”
Simmons also talked about how Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has helped him during his time in Green Bay.
“I fully believe in Haf’s plan. He’s letting me just lock in and learn a small portion first before we even think about expanding to anything else. That’s something I really appreciate,”
During mini-camp the Packers have been letting Simmons play the strong and weak side Linebacker position.
So far Simmons says that Hafley’s defense is one that he feels great with.
“Honestly, I feel like this is the most comfortable in a system I’ve been since I’ve been in the league,”
Simmons continued to say “I just feel like Haf’s defense fits me better…I like his vision, his creativity. I need to be with a guy who is creative.”
A Fresh start
So far it seems like Issiah Simmons is enjoying his time so far as a Packer.
While Simmons has proven that he is versatile, The Packers seem like they want him to play at his best position.
If allowing Simmons to just focus on playing Linebacker can help the former first round pick re-gain his form, you could say the Packers found another diamond in the rough.
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