The Green Bay Packers have some important decisions to make on the defensive side of the ball. Several players are competing for roster spots. Former first-round pick Isaiah Simmons was signed by the Packers this offseason and currently appears to be in a good position to make the team.
“But the Packers are giving Simmons a chance to focus on just one position at linebacker, and there’s a chance he could provide something meaningful in a specific subpackage role. Also, it’s clear he’s the preferred backup option at linebacker, so if nothing else, Simmons looks like a good bet to make the 53 at this point in camp,” Packers Wire’s Zach Kruse wrote.
Even teammate Josh Jacobs has praised him in the media, describing him as a unicorn.
“First, he can run,” Jacobs told reporters. “He can run. He’s kind of a unicorn in that position. We can put him out on guys in the slot. He can cover guys. Really, man, I just can’t wait to see him in pads. I want to see how physical he is. Obviously, I’ve played against him a couple of times, so I know what player he is — but it’s different when you see him like that.”
Fellow defensive teammate Xavier McKinney has even gone as far as labeling Simmons a big part of the defense.
“He’s going to be a big part of our defense and he’s going to help us a lot,” McKinney told the media.
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However, in the preseason opener, Simmons may have received a harsh reality check.
“Simmons. He’s been talked up because he’s looked good, but every time he has been it’s always been with the caveat ‘It’s still early.’ An athlete is going to look good prior to live tackling being added to the mix. Tonight has been a somewhat expected reality check,” Cheesehead TV’s Aaron Nagler posted.
It could have just been a bad first game for Simmons. He still has two more preseason games to compete in and prove himself. After Saturday’s performance, he now knows exactly what needs to be done in the next outing.
