Sims: 'Ready to Jump In'
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Sims: 'Ready to Jump In'
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
The Eagles might have addressed one of their draft needs with a trade today for Detroit Lions linebacker Ernie Sims, a 2006 first-round pick from Florida State.
The trade was a three-way deal with Denver and Detroit. The Eagles sent a fifth-round draft pick (137th overall, acquired from Cleveland) to the Broncos. The Broncos traded tight end Tony Scheffler and a seventh-round pick (220th overall) to the Lions. The Lions traded Sims to the Eagles.
"I'm just real excited, looking for a new beginning ... I'm ready to jump in," Sims said on an early afternoon conference call with reporters. "I'm like a sponge right now."
Sims, hampered by hamstring and shoulder issues last season, was mainly a weakside linebacker in Detroit; strongside is where the Eagles seem to have their biggest LB hole. But Sims said the Lions generally just played left and right, so he was sometimes on the strongside, and sometimes covered tight ends, a big Eagles problem.
“Ernie Sims is an impact player at the linebacker position,” said head coach Andy Reid. “He brings a lot of energy to our already energized defense. We are looking forward to adding him to our team.”
“We are excited to acquire Ernie Sims,” said general manager Howie Roseman. “He plays fast, he's aggressive and his style is a great fit for our defensive scheme. He is a leader who was a team captain for the Lions and we are eager to see what he can do in our defense.”
Sims was the ninth overall selection in the 2006 draft and has since played in 59 games (56 starts) for Detroit, totaling 505 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception. Last season, Sims played in 11 games (eight starts), and compiled 49 tackles and one forced fumble.
Sims, a college teammate of Eagles defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, never developed into the star the Lions thought they were getting when they drafted him. A change in defensive schemes last year seemed to give Sims problems, reports from Detroit indicated, and with the regime that drafted him long gone, his departure wasn't a shock.
"They tried so many different solutions" in Detroit, Sims said. "Different head coaches, different coordinators, different GMs." He indicated he got lost in the shuffle of the NFL's losingest franchise.
The Eagles now own 10 picks in the upcoming draft: 1st round (24th overall), 2nd round (37, 55), 3rd round (70, 87), 4th round (105, 121), 6th round (200), 7th round (243, 244).
Sims, 6-0, 230, said he hasn't discussed his Eagles role with any coaches yet.
Asked whether he viewed Sims as a starter, Roseman said, "We’ll figure all of that out, we do. He’s a starter in the National Football League, but we’re trying to create competition. We have a lot of starters on our defense and our offense. We think he brings that.”
Comments (173)
phillydopes and montgomeryhopkins are geniuses and the rest of u r pretty much worthless...pleez go b cowboys fans and get off this blog— theHeadbuster- Repeat 1stdown -- that was hilarious. But while winning the superbowl is the goal, I don't consider being the 3d winningest franchise over the last decade with more playoffs wins than the previous 20 years of eagles teams a failure at all. I won't mortgage my team's future for one superbowl. I'm glad the eagles don't run their team like the Redskins. And I am so glad the eagles brass doesn't listen to the fans. While I am still upset about the Tampa Bay and Arizona losses, I can say with confidence that the eagles have been better and more fun to watch than 90 percent of the franchises in the NFL over the last decade. As a "fan", that is more than enough for me. Being a "fan" is not as cut and dry as I am no longer a "fan" if my team doesn't win it all. There is no loyalty in that. Heck, look at the flyers. They supposedly go for it every year...and haven't won jack in 35 years. But they get a pass because they go for it. Thats all you band wagoners want -- to listen to you and go for it. Well going for it doesn't work. Ask the patriots and Randy Moss. Ask the redskins. Ask the flyers. Ask the Cowboys and Roy Wiliams, Pacman Jones, and T.O. Ask minnesota and brett farve. I will stick with the eagles rational and intelligent organization because I know they are going to be good almost every year and will put a competitive product on the field every year. And the moves they done over the last 2.5 years will enable them to be good for another decade to come.— phillydopes
yo, montgomeryhopkins - we're still without a SAM, so now what? Sims is too small for the position unless you want to rekindle images of Dhani Jones strumming the banjo after tackling a TE making a first down - we haven't had a SAM since Carlos Emmons in 2003.— dpcoz- When you play the cowboys and skins twice a year, you have to cover the tight end. great pick up. Closes a hole.— ornoluvr
- great trade, he is a stud. he hasnt played great the last 2 years but hey when your on the lions your season is over in preseason. If we dont trade up, we take puncey or weatherspoon, whichever is there. gotta do it. Nate Allen will be there in the 2nd for our safety.— fman727
if D-Mac was a BIg Mac than ANDY REID would not have sent him to washington but HE WOULD BE MUNCHING ON A WHOLE BAG OF THEM RIGHT NOW ALL ALONE AT HIS BIG OL DESK IN HIS BIG OL OFFICE AT 10:45PM in APRIL !!!— daveH- FWIW, every mock draft in 2006 had the Eagles drafting Ernie Sims.We took Broderick Bunkley. It's a decent move now. You can't have too many rookies on defense. A fifth round pick is a 50/50 proposition at best. Trent Cole and Brent Celek were taken there though.— Rick Wise Guy
- This is starting to become a very partisan argument on this particular subject. I must say I side with Phillydopes and Montgomeryhopkins completely; I am starting to understand more and more every day just how ignorant most of the people who blog on this website really are. Sims is going to be an impact player and the point made earlier that we are saving our money for free agency next year is dead on.
- Sims deal is hard to assess. On the surface, Detroit shed this guy, that says something! A greater concern is the Eagles use of their draft picks. Rumor continues that the Eagles will give a 2-for-1 to move up. That tells me they are unsure of their ability to draft well! Because there is "so" much talent in the first 2 rounds! With all their holes, how can the Eagles even think about not selecting as many players as they can in rounds 1 and 2. Even round-3 there will be quality players. Lets see if Howie has the ability to MAXIMIZE his advantage of so many picks. Anyone can play safe, select in the top 12, and get a blue chip. For the Eagles, that would mean giving away the advantage of stocking more good players. Other teams are drolling to be able to select multiple players in rounds 1 and 2. Message to Howie: you will be measured on the ability to MAX all picks. Selecting '1' blue-chip player does not fix the Eagles. They are in desperate need of more starters, not 1 blue-chip safety. Get a run stopper, a D-tackle that weights at least 330LBS; get a LB who is as big as Bradley; get a center/guard who is nasty; get a corner that will tackle. Use the top 3 picks to fill these holes - forget moving up. The team will 'not' be worse off if Thomas does not make it to the team. But it will if you can not address the above.— lerze77
Is it me? Or do the Eagles only seem to bring in guys coming off major injuries?- Truth is. No one will know how good this guy is until he straps on the pads. But, considering what they gave up, this is a great pick up. Reading comments from people who pan this trade makes me understand why I am in the top 2% wealth wise. Not much competition from the gene pool...— Fritz and Alice
Comment removed.- Let's see. HE'S FROM THE LIONS!!!!!! Only thing worse than getting a player from the Lions is getting one not named Cooley from the DEADKINS!!! What are the IGGLES THINKING!!!— Phillyexp
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- The Eagles offseason has had some bright spots, but it is too early to tell if it was a great offseason. Sure the morning show is ridiculous, and Gonzalez's last article about Philly fans missed its mark badly; however, there is nothing wrong with wanting a Super Bowl. When popular players like Dawkins were let go for no reason, and the Eagles prepared for Kolb's emergence for 3 years instead of building a Super Bowl champion around McNabb, fans have a right to complain. They're the ones footing a lot of the bill for the Linc and the NovaCare complex.— 76erfn
Phillydopes and Montgomeryhopkins need to get a room. Triple chili cheeseburger for me. Time's yours.— ANDY-IS-FAT- phillydope= 100% accurate opinion on offseason thus far.— brock
- great move- low risk high reward for a 5th rounder- only 25 and was on a terrible team for 4 yrs.— brock
- Nice move--CB, S, OT, DE next!— RCori
- Nice move--CB, S, OT, DE next!— RCori
- Great Pick-Up! A YOUNG athletic, aggressive Weak Side LB, for a fifth round pick, in a draft where we have 10 other picks. Even the worst Eagle Haters in Philly can't be negative about this move! What am I saying, of course they can!!— phillyfan3074
- Montgomery Hopkins. I'm with you. It really hurts me to say most of these so-called eaglesfans are ungrateful ill-informed bandwagoners who listen to the morning show and gonzo to get their anti-eagles talking points. They are only happy if they can bash the team. And this whole superbowl or bust theory of theirs is ridiculous. Honestly, they wouldn't even be happy with a superbowl. Perfect example -- they bashed and demanded the trading of Cole Hamels a year after he was world series MVP. Negativity is what sells in this town ..it sells radio advertising and papers. So thats what the media feeds to them. As for Sims -- He is young, talented, hard hitting olb. He may be undisciplined - but I can't blame a guy on a horrible defense from trying to make plays. Big upgrade over our olbs. And 5th round starters (especially lbs) are very difficult to find. Yes these clowns don't understand B. Graham cannot play lb in the 4-3. They don't understand that free safety in our defense must be able to cover (hence why Taylor Mays is not for us), and they don't understand that the McNabb trade was good. But I digress. I expect and hope the birds to trade down in the first round if Iupati, Wilson, and the corner from Alabama are gone. I hope Clausen falls and some team trades with us and gives us another high pick much like the Carolina/Otah deal. This is the deepest draft in 20 years. Hence, why the Pats and Eagles stockpiled picks. Next year ufa class will be the best in 15 years - hence why the good teams (birds, pats, steelers, colts) didn't sign aging veterans, got rid of dead weight, and bulked up on cap space. Been a very good offseason for eagles imo.— phillydopes
- Wow. We finally got Ernie Sims. This trade, along with the signing of that superstar running back from the CFL, will put us over the top. Andy's outsmarting everyone again. Looks like another Lombardi Trophy for sure.— baabyrrej
- ...am I crazy or should this 225 pound kid Sims, who runs in the 4.4s, hits like a truck...and plays sideline to sideline be the second coming of Brian Dawkins.....make him a safety, please.— garyshaffer
- brotherman1,now they need to trade up 4 A coach.— brotherman1
- If Sims stays healthy, this could be a very good trade. I think the Eagles felt they needed a lot of new blood, and didn't feel like drafting a LB very high. I am interested in what other NFL scouts say about this guy; I am also interested in what Mark Eckel and Ray Didinger say, since they usually do research and don't drink the Kool Aid.— 76erfn
- "The fact that Matt Millen drafted this kid makes me nervous." Don't worry, as long as he's not a WR, we're ok. Millen sure liked to draft bust WRs in the 1st round. Besides, the kid has played in the NFL for 4 seasons now...everyone knows what he can and can't do, his draft status is pretty irrelevant by now.— JimG
- brs50 + SWIM: What, you rely on actual facts? Big mistake around here, where ignorance and childish emotion are king and queen! If the Eagles followed the advice of the idiots who post here, they'd ACTUALLY FINISH 3-13 every year, which is what the fans here keep predicting, and which has never happened in the 11 years under their "idiotic" front office. The year after they win a SB, they'll be back at it, so not even that would cure the inanity. (Since the avg. IQ here is about 35, I feel compelled to state I did not leave out the "S" on that last word!)— montgomeryhopkins
- phillydopes: FINALLY. Someone who can analyze college talent! "There isn't even a single 4-3 linebacker that grades higher than Sims this year in the draft." These idiots here think that a kid who is 6'3", 270 lbs. who cannot cover and who lines up in a 4-point stance to bull rush the edge in a 3-4 scheme at Michigan or Clemson will play SAM for the Eagles! The only decent LB for a 4-3 scheme in this ENTIRE draft is Sean Witherspoon, who had a TERRIBLE Sr. year and who would be a 4th round pick if the 4-3 SAM position was deeper in this draft. The reason there are so many 3-4 LBs this year is because there are now 15 teams in the NFL that use a 3-4 scheme! The ONLY LB in this pool the Eagles would draft high is Rolando McClain. And they need a CB MORE! phillydopes, WE may have to go elsewhere to actually have an intelligent discussion about our favorite team. How excited are you that McNabb - a great QB, BTW - is finally off the roster? I have nothing but a hunch based on a trained eye that Kolb is smarter and better suited for the WC system. I'll take a 9-7 season for what I sense in 2011 and beyond.— montgomeryhopkins
- Bleue...So dumb..so, so dumb you are— elbc
- If healthy, he's good. Fast, though small. Not sure how many games he'll be healthy each year.— tacklinjoe
- We took the 5th rounder for Gocong and got Sims. Seems like an upgrade to me. How do all the Roseman haters feel now?— Four4Four
- A comment I read said he over runs plays. However playing for the Eagles after playing for the Lions is a much better place. All in all a good trade.— Trifecta
- Don't know how good he is going to be, but I hope we can finally stop talk about an LB with a high pick. Safety, CB and DE should be the priority. Everyone seem's to forget that 3 LB's were hurt last year, There are more pressing needs on this defense.— Fat-Andy
- Yet another case where the Eagles get someone cheap and hope that he'll play better. Not bad for 5th round pick, but not a trade that excites me.— matthew76
- How could he be often injured if he played in 59 of 64 games missing five last year in his fourth season. 505 tackles in 59 games, #9 pick in the draft, didn't fit in his team's new system, looks like a very good move by the FO.— brs50
- Andy's already ENERGIZED DEFENSE??? Yeah, that is what I call them as of late also Andy. Sorry, don't feel so enamored on getting a defensive player from a team, that gave up a lot of points last year.— GalRand
- Tom Brookshire - if you think Sims was an "underachiever", you are not watching the same sport! And if anyone thinks Gocong is better, open your eyes! Look at his tackle totals over 4 seasons. As for everyone griping about the fact that he missed 5 games in 4 seasons - that's actually a very HEALTHY track record in the NFL. The Eagles WILL NOT draft Brandon Graham to play SAM in a 4-3. What a terrible idea! The guy is an OLB for a 3-4 set, and if the Eagles drafted him, he'd have to convert to a DE. So he has ZERO chance of playing LB for the Eagles. Same with Sergio Kindle. And there's no way the Eagles mortgage their entire draft to move up to #5 to grab Berry. No way they move into the top 10 to draft a kid (Thomas) who won't play S in the NFL and has to switch to CB, a position he never played. KYLE WILSON/COLT McCOY/CHAD JONES rds. 1-2, unless McCoy goes in Rd 1, then they'll take Nate Allen @ #37 instead.— montgomeryhopkins
- absolutely nothing to loose with this trade...with all the picks rds 2, 3 and 4, the likelihood a 5th rounder even making the team this year would have been minimal. Sims is a solid, athletic player who is always around the ball. Even if he is just a situational player, that's all you expect to get out of a 5th round pick anyway.— vatore09
- I guess that means no LB will be picked in this draft until maybe the 7th round.— greenflyer
- I think a 5th round pick is not much to give up for a potential starting LB, plus I would have to think an extremely athletic undersized guy would be a stud special teamer. We have alot of holes to fill too many to get in the 1st 4 rounds of the draft so this may take care of one.
- I just love smallish linebackers. 6'0 230 I can't see him on the strong side unless he is a high motor beast.— TitleTown19148
- Found some interesting stats. During his rookie and sophmore seasons Sims put up numbers comparible to Lance Briggs best Probowl seasons. Remember when everyone wanted to trade #5 for him? Oh and he's really undersized too. Briggs has 1 inch and 15lbs on sims who is 4 yrs younger. So in essence the birds gave up a 5th round pick for almost a carbon copy of Briggs i don't mind that. What type of season did people expect us to have after trading our starting QB, DT, CB in the offseason. You fools actually believed that #5 was the sole reason this team doesn't have a SB ring yet. Tell ya what since you "fans" think the birds are the lions stop buying up the all season tickets 2 mins after they go on sale.— SWIM
i really like this deal a lot better now that i know tampaphilly fan went to FSU when he played there.- He's a solid player, I like the move, only giving up a 5th round pick.— NBAdraftRoom.com
- Hmmm, I guess the Eagles couldn't find another undersized DE in this year's draft that they are sure they can turn into a competent OLB. Wow, how could that happen? Do you think that the Eagles could just buy a house for this year's Mark Simoneau, Dhani Jones, Will Witherspoon, Takeo Spikes, so they don't have to worry about the real estate market? They could call it "Visiting OLB House".— jimmyj
- Great comment clunkerlane. I totally agree.— dapmman
- Bleue do us a favor and throw yourself off the Ben Franklin please, save us from having to read your stupidity.— Phillies1120
Gocong for Sims is a good trade. Hard to imagine drafting a LB in the 5th round that would even get on the field this year.— soybot- Please do some research about Ernie Sims before you go touting that he is "undersized", "injury riddled", a "risk", "underachiever", or "bust". I have read numerous scouting reports and detroit fans' blogs on this trade and they are all positive about Ernie. "First round talent on a bad defense" "Big hitter" "Team captain" "Tackle Machine" One injury in 4 years. So please go write your idoitic regurgitated lame anti-eagles speaking points somewhere else because this was a great deal for a 25 year old starter for a 5th round pick. There isn't even a single 4-3 linebacker that grades higher than Sims this year in the draft.— phillydopes
- The only person who isn't undersized on this team is Andy Reid.— simplejack
- So...are we supposed to be excited that we acquired another undersized LB that was hardly a stand out on a pretty crappy defense?
- Sims is a decent pickup for a 5th rounder, a starter for an unknown (and unlikely starter) in 5th round. Draft choices always a crapshoot and Birds need some experienced players right now. LB a need but early round priority is DB and OL, so this makes sense. When healthy, Sims should be an upgrade at weakside LB.— Z-Force
- peteike? Don't be the one talkin when them 'Skins come in here and stomp a mudhole in our arses....— DAME
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- hey now a redskin fan, we may have some dumb fans like any other city but you my friend are now the fan of a dumb owner. Enjoy. Lets see, starting backfield of Portis, Johnson and parker with mcnabb at qb. Thats awesome...... five years ago.— peteike
- Taking Bleue's point about the Eagles attraction to injured players, I'm ok with this move because it's an upgrade from the misfit Gocong with a real upside potential. What they lack is hitters and tacklers on D and someone who can cover the other guys' tight ends. I'll reserve judgment until after all the moves are made, including the draft. Let's face it, it won't be the "best roster in the NFL" and I doubt you'll hear any FO types make that mistake again. This is a retooling year. All I want coming out of it is optimism that they will compete very soon and are moving in the right direction.— steelydad
- absolutely— brownrice
- Actually this was a great trade— nmr82
- I was going to extol the virtues of Ernie Sims, but I figured you're all too stupid. Instead, I will only add that I believe Cliff Lee could play SAM if only Ruben Amaro hadn't traded him. ;)— sfactor
- It's funny how the pessimism just keeps growing and growing here on Philly's favorite soundboard....Andy stinx at picking up talent, Banner stinx when it comes to balls, and although Howie's wet behind the ears, he'll still have to do what Andy says, so he stinx too...Lurie stinx for just wanting to make a profit...This is the same stuff we've been through over and over again....but yall still agree on giving up the best QB to line up behind center for this team...go figure....idiots....— DAME
- How could any player NOT be excited about leaving the Lions, the laughing stock of the NFL.— ak3883
- Dopes. He missed 5 games in 4 years. Thats not injury riddled. Find me a lb in the nfl who hasn't missed that many games in the same amount of time. This kid is a beast. Top 10 talent in the draft in 2005. read his scouting portfolio's the last 2 years and really shocked we got him so cheap. The explanation is detroit wasn't going to be able to resign him next year and wanted something in return before they lost him. This guy is a big upgrade over any of our outside linebackers we had or have now. Great trade by the birds.— phillydopes
I don't know anything about Sims, but it sounds like a good gamble for a low round pick. There is plenty of room on this D even if he is a mediocre LB.- Sims was detroit's defensive captain. A tackling machine. Two years ago, pete prisco rated him the 39th BEST PLAYER in the NFL for cbs sportline. He is a top 10 talent who didn't fit in Detroit's new Tampa 2 cover defense AND wasn't going to resign there next yet. Thats why detroit traded him, NOT because they know something. They wanted something in return, instead of just losing him.— phillydopes
- Appears to be a good pick-up for the price. 5th round picks are risky, and Eagles are getting a former first round pick who has shown some skills at the pro level.— JohnFC
- Welcome to Philly Ernie Sims! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!— wondo40
- At least the Eagles are consistent: injury riddled LBs at each position now. Eagles medical advisors have me wondering--obviously they were consulted. First year player Cornelius Ingram was another medical consultant approved non-impact player. Suddenly Jim Johnson players are failures under Sean McDermott...whats going on here?— Smashmouth
- Yep...they've been so terrible in Reid's tenure.— reils
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- This a great aquisition considering they only gave up a 5th round draft pick. This is part of the rebuilding plan; no playoffs this year folks.— albanykey
- Sims probably thinks he hit the lottery coming out of Detroit.
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- still need a stud SAM linebacker folks...we have about 4 natural WILL, but no SAM, which is a key part of the run defense.— EaglesBleedMoney
- Hard to argue with addressing a need for a 5th round pick.
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- Now listen carefully, Eagles Fans. First, I want you all to pin a sign on the front of your shirt that reads "Gullible Moron". Then, I want you all to pin a sign on the back of your shirt that reads "Kick Me - Hard and Often". Finally, I want all of you to assemble in the City Hall Courtyard, prance around like turkeys and "gobble" loudly. This will basically have the same net affect as all the times in the past 11 years that Andy Reid told you he was "excited" about acquiring cast-offs from losing teams and you believed him. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!!!— Bubba100
- Sims should be put into the weakside LB to replace Jordan. We need a bigger guy to come in and play the strongside LB. I love Brandon Graham from Mich to come here and play that position. He could fall to us if Atl and NE dont go for him. He is a tacking machine and can rush the passer. I think he could add more impact to our defense than anyone out there this year.. We could then go for a corner at pick 37 with either kareem jackson or Devin McCourty. Free Safety would be the other 2nd round pick and we could go for Nate Allen or Chad Jones.— bradco
- essentially Gocong for Sims. He's a little light for the strong side, and he played in Detroit, so who knows how good (or) bad he is? I think Gocong got dealt a bad hand from jump street. He was a pure edge rusher and the 1AA sack leader his senior year of college, and rather than admit they made a mistake and moving him back to DE, they tried to prove what genius' they are and left him at SLB, a position he really never looked comfortable at. I'm still a little fuzzy as to who is covering the TE, and the LB's are a little light in a division that loves to run the ball. they got about 20 pounds lighter with Sims for Gocong, didn't they?— dlivesay
- Veey nice pick-up. That 5th would likely not have produced a player with as much upside as sims. The man is only 25 years old and fits well in our system. He surely is a little undersized but we only invensted a 5th rounder (one we got for Gocong I might add). Don't expect him to necesserally be "the answer" at linebacker but he should have a larger impact than the 5th round pick would have. I understand that we drafted cole witha 5th rounded but the percentages say that picks that late rearely have lasting effects.— mfs5014
Wow, we actually addressed the LB issue. Lets see if we actually keep him.- If the losers who post here and ridicule ever Eagles move were half as successful as the Eagles...they wouldn't be losers anymore. Let me know when the first one of them is hired as a coach,stratetician or personnel man...I know I'll have a long wait 'cause it ain't gonna happen.— ceocreates
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instant upgrade over Akeem Jordan or Omar Gaither- Is he as good as Witherspoon, whom they cut? One of these years, the Eagles will figure out their linebacker situation. They are an inept bunch of bafoons when it comes to linebacker evaluation.— Pat c
- I like Ernie Sims. I think he is a very aggressive Lb that is too aggressive, that is why he's injured so much. He throws his body around. I agree he's a Weak side linebacker because of his height and weight. If they can get that kid Hall to play smart football, then they would be a nice duo. Only question is where does that leave Akeem Jordan, Fokou and Mays..— riza1976
- Stinky bologna, thank you for telling me it's going to be ok. What a load off...I mean, if you sign off on this trade, everything must be great and on the way up. But I guess you're missing the point of having now 3 weakside lb's (Gaither, Jordan and Sims), but no SAM and a recovering MIKE. But it's only 1 level of defense, I'm sure the lineman and db's will cover up their play.— Bleue
- Outstanding at FSU but coming off serious injury. My concern is why a poor quality team like the Lions got rid of him. Hate to be so pessimistic but the linebackers are now all walking wounded. All of them.— dapmman
- Oh yeah that's what I'm talking about. This has the potential to be great value for the 137th pick. Plus he's not due too much salary. Just check his stats you'll like what you see. He's real active and can cover.— Murrayman
- I am amazed that this rumor wasn't out there, what with all the alleged experts who write columns and post here ... guess nobody really knows anything when it comes right down to it ... including whether Denver will get "lucky" with the 137th pick, if they keep it, and draft a future superstar... then we'll hear how the Eagles screwed up because they ( along with 136 other picks ) didn't select ...— AsValidAsYours
- Good deal! Sims is a Philly kind of player, he will give up the body to deliver a big hit. He was the captain on defense too, so some needed defensive leadership skills are filled.— Tom98786
- There's nothing about this trade that can be critiziced. So of course the crybabies are doing just that.— bobbyd24
- bleed green forever - AGREE 100%. Classic Negadelphia. Reading this board, you'd think the Eagles were the Lions....they aren't. Like the few astute FANS have noted, this is a SMART move because, for the low cost of a 5th round pick, the Eagles can assess the player for one year, determine if he's a good fit and THEN sign him (see Weaver, Leonard)....as opposed to overpaying for some rock star free agent, realizing he DOESN'T fit the system and then being stuck with a big contract (see Snyder, Daniel). I think they know what they are doing.— reils
- for a 5th rounder it was a great play better than Akeem Jordan and Gocong— dcram1980
- This is a GREAT pickup for a 5th round pick. If you have BS to say about this move then you are an idiot!— rubbergash
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- its unreal how stupid most of you are... if you think this was a bad trade then you know nothing about football... nothing.. for everyone that says he is injury prone he was only hurt last year.. he is 25 years old and he was picked with the 9th pick of the first round of the draft.. detroit has no clue how to evaluate talent and let him get away.. so morons who say they eagles only get hut playerss.. i challenge you to name a player that has been in the league for more then 5 years that hasnt missed a few games.. there are maybe a handful... so anyone they get will have some injuries on there record.. please learn something about football before you start trying to talk on blogs.. check out other websites and check out espn, they are all calling this a GREAT trade for the birds... they move up in the draft and get a solid safety and this team will be on the right track...— bleed green forever
- Anyone who thinks this is a bad deal is crazy. We basically got a young talented olb who was drafted in the top 10 of the 2006 draft for a 5th round pick. He is made for our defensive scheme. If he doesn't pan out, we lose nothing. If Gocong wasn't made for our system, this guy is. But I'm sure the alleged eagles dimwit fans will bash the team nonetheless.— phillydopes
- given the eagles penchant for acquiring guys and changing their positions, I'm not so sure he'll be competing with Jordan on the weakside. I think Jordan, Sims and Bradley are the starting LBs week 1— figgypop
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- Sims was in the final year of a five year contract. According to the Detroit News it was his worst year ever. He also had hamstring and shoulder problems all year. Not sure he's worth a 5th round pick.— FlAJOE
- @atlas he was hurt for the majority of last year... hamstring problem. so no he wasn't beat out by a rookie. and averaging over 150 tackles a year over his first 3 yrs makes him a tackling machine compared to the lbs the eagles have so take it easy.— sasquatches
- Replacing Gocong with Sims is a no brainer....Gocong stinks on ice.— Thegreat1
- Typical birds.. trading for someone else's damaged goods in hope they can turn into something. That being said he's worth a 5th rounder or Gocong however you look at. I like his potential more than gocong in our system, and...he can cover a little bit so that helps. Now i'm SURE they'll be focused on the secondary and O-line.. First round talent with a 5th round pick not bad really now lets hope they can find some starters for that secondary.— jc2178
- He isn't often injured he was injured last season in November. Missing 5 games in 4 seasons isn't too shabby. It appears to be a big upgrade over last season. Biggest need is now CB on defense. Do what it takes to get Pouncey in the first and best CB available in early 2nd.— pking222
- 5th round not a bad pick..........but undersized, injury prone and unable to pick up the new defensive scheme at Detroit. Do we ever got a player in trade who comes to us healthy and not coming off an injury?— ox
- Witherspoon---Sims---Witherspoon ---Sims.....Lions ---Rams---Lions ---Rams.....just absolutely steals the Iggles are making.....Sims probably doesn't even start...Jordan, Bradley and and rotating, revolving strongside....— PhillyPhilly
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- 5th round not a bad pick..........but undersized, injury prone and una— ox
- 5th round not a bad pick..........but undersized, injury prone and una— ox
- 5th round not a bad pick..........but undersized, injury prone and una— ox
- JBinPA Injured ? please name me one NFL player . . played at least 3 seasons and never injured ? Doesn't happen . . . if you watch the games . . you'll see it's a CONTACT sport . . players get injured . . period . And so you wouldn't take Sims over Gocong ? WHY ? Just about everyone here see's this as an upgrade over Gocong . . except you ???— ingy9
- Nice pickup, athletic blitzing will with coverage skills! Nice work— bleufunk
SUPER BOWL BABY HERE WE COME MAKE WAY BABY!— TwinkleToes- SUPER BOWL BABY HERE WE COME MAKE WAY BABY!— TwinkleToes
- Ah-hem. Best team on paper. Get me a hotdog. Time's yours.— ANDY-IS-FAT
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- Sonofnash, it's really important which media site has it six minutes before the other one. it's people like you who give philadelphians bad names.— TheSage
- good pickup at that value— sore richard
- Yet another mediocre move by a mediocre organization. At least we know what we have. Too bad the ticket prices are not mediocre.— FlAJOE
- bleh— blueye7
- Great trade. What a steal. Well done Howie Roseman, well done— Topher J
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- Undersized, injured and a LB that the stinkin Lions didn't even want on their roster! Yeah, that's improvement!— JBinPA
- It's ok, Bleue. Every fanbase needs some bandwagon fans who can't see the reason for making certain moves until long after they've transpired. Keep drinkin' the Hatorade, the Eagles will go 3-13 and the sky will fall
- Nothing is a good trade if the guy you're getting is off the field with injuries regularly.
- 5th round pick gives them a once 1st rounder who was a leader. Lets see what happens. Good pickup and an upgrade over Gocong.— SlinkTMP
- 1-15....they will now beat, not tie, Detroit.— mccloudmj
- followed him in college, great player then picked by a terrible team. That would wear anyone out. For a 5th round pick this is outstanding— Mottz
- Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't we trade for a LB who was familiar with the system and played well at a few different LB positions? We also released him too didn't we? So now we pick up a LB and over pay for him? How did this actually help the Eagles? He's injury prone and small? Haven't we been down this road before? INSANITY!— Jacinto
- followed him in college, great player then picked by a terrible team. That would wear anyone out. For a 5th round pick this is outstanding— Mottz
- I agree with Clunker. Basically, the deal was Gocong for Sims. Generally, I'm bearish Eagles management / personnel decisions, but this was a good one.— Dean1
- I was concerned at first since there should be some great linebackers available in the 2-3 rounds of the draft, but for a 5th round pick this deal is too good to pass up.— sg021
- He is a stud. I future pro-bowler!!!— SecondToNone
- I am not sure if a shredded shoulder is the best thing for an undersized LB...the kid does seem to have heart...I know it doesn't pay to look back but how idiotic do the Birds look for showing Dawk the door over money?— pmorse
- If you consider a top ten pick that was a huge dissappointment (aka BUST) filling a need, then yes they accomplished that. He did get outplayed by a rookie in Detroit last year. But who knows maybe Detroit didnt use him right???? Then it would be a nice job. How many linebackers does PSU need to produce before the Eagles take a shot on one in the draft?— Atlas
- If you consider a top ten pick that was a huge dissappointment (aka BUST) filling a need, then yes they accomplished that. He did get outplayed by a rookie in Detroit last year. But who knows maybe Detroit didnt use him right???? Then it would be a nice job. How many linebackers does PSU need to produce before the Eagles take a shot on one in the draft?— Atlas
- stinkybologna, I didn't say every player was bad, matter of fact, I didn't give an opinion on any specific player, just listed some facts. But don't worry, there are a lot of people in the U.S. who can't read or comprehend, you're not alone. I think you stink, if you're really in search of my opinion.— Bleue
- good move,the team is getting stronger with each move..— wolf 4
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- Everyone . . It's Sims for Gocong . . Who here wouldn't take that ? This enables eagles to get a good CB and O Line in the draft . . both of which they desperately need . . .— ingy9
- shoulders are essential for blocking and hamstrings are essential for playing the run. I don't see much of an upside to this unless this dude has been on some mind blowing off season conditioning workout.— unbelieveable!
- Sims was awesome when I played career mode and got drafted by the Lions in Madden a couple of years ago so...— jabostick
- If he doesn't pan out, they only lost a 5th rounder. No big deal. Worth the risk.— Beechdancer
- Must be something wrong with him, a 3 year veteran top draft pick traded for a 5th? Unless its a money thing.— Carlos2
- Must be something wrong with him, a 3 year veteran top draft pick traded for a 5th? Unless its a money thing.— Carlos2
- Bleue - why even root for the Eagles if every player is so bad in your eyes?
I'm happy with it- 450 tackles in his 1st three years for a 5th rounder? Outstanding player who was surrounded by horrible players in Detroit. I hope he comes to play!— kjuggs77- if simes stays healthy he is rediculously talented.— sasquatches
- not complaining, but sounds like a typical eagles deal...giving up as little as possible for a guy who could be good, if he can stay healthy... as for millen drafting him, you would think linebacker would be the one position millen would know since thats what he played...— jim715
- I'll take Sims for Gocong.— fritztastic
- "apparently" didnt play strong-side? great reporting!— Billy Walls
- Fills an ENORMOUS need on defense. Now go DB with the top pick and we're headed in the right direction
I'm shocked-SHOCKED-that the Eagles picked up a player who was injured last year. Sometimes it seems like the Eagles are the garage sale dumping ground of formerly good (not great) players coming off of an injury year. Oh well, since they traded McNabb they should be guaranteed a Superbowl, right? Right?— Mabus- I recall in '06 the Eagles were interested in drafting Sims. They finally got him. Great pickup.— aerussel
- What linebacker position was he for Detroit?— sonofnash
- Talented,very fast but often injured,undersized linebacker. Would probably be better suited for the weak side,but for what they gave up,this is actually a good pick up for them.— bkg126
- They gave up a 5th round pick........nice pick up for a low price.— ob18
- So....this is the 2nd discarded LB we've picked up this offseason, along with a DE from Seattle with declining productivity, a CB coming off of 2 knee surgeries (who's going to play S by the way), and a WR we cut. Sounds like new stars are on the way. And add to that a returning LB coming off ACL, a backup TE (who can't block) coming off ACL, two OL's coming off knee surgeries, and a whole bunch of young bucks at every skill position. Super Bowl, here we come!— Bleue
- Solid linebacker and a great trade...now we need a strong side LB and we will be set at that possition.— traugdog420
- good deal. they gave up the 5th rounder they got from the Browns. essentially traded Gocong for Sims. i'll take that— clunkerlane
- Eagles traded a 5th rounder— Phillies1120
- Damaged goods— Tacklebury
- I went to FSU when Sims played there. He is extremely athletic and a very aggressive hitter. This was a great pick up for the birds— tampaPhillyfan
- Sims is a stud..........Good pick up.......since it's not known yet hopefully it wasn't at to big a price.— ob18
- Wow I guess this rules out LB . . . eagles will almost definately go CB and OL . . . looks like they'll be real aggressive . . probably trade up for either Berry or Thomas . . . this is gonna be a wild week folks . . stay tuned !— ingy9
- The fact that Matt Millen drafted this kid makes me nervous.— davekrieg
- Sims is better than what we have and is very solid.. but lets wait and see what kind of draft pick they gave up before deeming this a good move.— therev
"According to sources...", ohhh, OK,, I have no sources and don't let it be said that I live by what PE.com spews out as my sole source for everything green, but it reported that the Eagles sent a fifth-round draft pick in 2010 (137th overall) to the Broncos in exchange for tight end Tony Scheffler and a seventh-round pick in 2010. The Eagles then traded Scheffler and the seventh-round pick to the Detroit Lions for linebacker Ernie Sims. In essence, it's a fifth-round pick for a proven starting linebacker. Take it for what it's worth. Time's yours...- Comment removed.
- Not Bad, you guys are only 5 or 6 minutes late from Mcshay breaking this on ESPN— sonofnash
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Les Bowen
Daily News Staff Writer
Paul Domowitch
Daily News NFL Columnist