Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
The New York Giants have agreed to a one-year contract with versatile linebacker Isaiah Simmons, according to a report from ESPN. The Giants acquired Simmons at a discount price and have revealed plans to use him in a key defensive role.
On Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, the Giants featured a two-minute video focusing primarily on incoming defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and his plans to organize the defense. Among the striking lessons, perhaps none is more important than the expected role of Simmons.
At the start of the clip, Bowen outlined his plans for Simmons, who is going to fill a significant role in 2024. He said:
“In our minds, he will be a first- and second-down nickel and then playing ‘money’ on third-down,”
Simmons’ Expectations for the Giants
Credit: Caitlyn Epes/Arizona Cardinals
Simmons standing at 6-foot-4, was one of the top defensive players in college football at Clemson, winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and unanimous All-American honours. He also displayed a unique playmaking ability that drew the attention of NFL scouts and coaches.
The Arizona Cardinals drafted Simmons with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, believing they could find a position where he would excel. However, it never quite came together for him in Arizona despite several attempts to ease his transition to the NFL.
Simmons often appeared to be a player without a defined position. The Cardinals repeatedly tried him as an off-ball linebacker, where he struggled against the run and showed vulnerabilities in pass coverage. When they attempted to move him to deep safety this summer, it didn’t work out, leading the Cardinals to decide it was time to move on.
The Cardinals’ decision was primarily based on production. In 2020 and ’21, Pro Football Focus graded Simmons poorly in run defense and coverage, making him a liability. With no clear position for him in 2023, the move was inevitable. However, there are reasons to believe that Simmons will thrive with the Giants.
Simmons’ versatility will be crucial for the Giants
Bowen expects Simmons to be a three-down player, which suggests a significant increase in snaps compared to last season (377, 33%). This shift may also result in a decrease in special teams snaps from last year (224, 49%).
Simmons, known for his versatility, will primarily focus on coverage, which has become his strong suit. Last season, he earned an 82.7 coverage rating from Pro Football Focus, allowing 17 receptions on 21 targets for 153 yards, defending three passes, and intercepting one.
The Giants will also task him with occasional quarterback rushes, leveraging his ability to blend into various roles such as nickel, free safety, strong safety, inside linebacker, and edge defender.
While the Giants may not expect Simmons to excel in all coverage situations, he can use his length and quickness to match up effectively against tight ends and running backs coming out of the backfield. He may not start every down, but he has the potential to thrive with the team based on their specific plans for him.
Source: Talkin’ Giants
