Sims defends his size
You got to give Ernie Sims credit.
Sims defends his size
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
You got to give Ernie Sims credit.
He didn't lie about his height.
The new Eagles linebacker was introduced at the NovaCare Complex today and when I went to shake his hand I noticed that at six-feet tall I had an inch or two on him. Sims is listed at 6-foot, 230 pounds.
"You're right, I'm not the biggest linebacker -- six-feet, maybe six feet and 225 [pounds] is my natural weight," Sims said. "But I feel very explosive and I feel very quick and fast."
How fast is Sims?
He said he ran a 4.50 40-yard dash at the Indianapolis combine four years ago. I'd imagine he still runs in that vicinity, which is very fast for a linebacker. He said his fastest time in the 40 is the 4.38 he ran as a junior at Florida State.
The Eagles are hoping they found the solution to their annual trouble of covering a linebacker.
"I feel like covering tight ends, that's where I use my speed," Sims said. "That's the name of my game -- speed. I definitely feel like there's not a lot of tight ends that can run away from me."
Sims met with the Eagles' coaches today.
"They want to put me in at the [weak-side linebacker] position," Sims said.
If that ends up being the case, Sims will compete with Akeem Jordan for the job. Eagles GM Howie Roseman also said that the Eagles think Sims can play strong-side linebacker in certain situations.
"It won't be all the time guaranteed, but ... when you get to the third down distance and other situations, where you know the tight end is going to get the ball, you want to put a good player on him," Sims said.
So THERE'S the problem...the Eagles were trying to cover linebackers, not tight ends...now as long as they get that straight we should be fine— Llamaboy1375- As an ex-Eagles season ticket holder and current FSU Booster and season ticket holder, I got to see Ernie Sims bring it in college. Nobody hit harder. He would actually hit so hard at practice, he would knock himself out. I have not followed his career in Detroit so I can't provide pro insight but I can tell you he is a quality guy from a quality family. Mr. Derrick Brooks was the best complete FSU linebacker I ever saw but Ernie Sims was the hardest hitter. Philly will love his intensity.— orlampa
- Mann We Should Not Have A Problem At Linebaccer This Yr. Now !— PhillyFreshh
- good deal for us, but I want to see Jordan on the field.— Dawks4Prez
The Eagles never met an undersized position player they didn't like.- this dude shud be playing strong safety! COWBOYS arew the new GIANTS of the midway! this is NFC EAST, we need biggins!!— larryv
- I like this move. A top pick, a guy used to winning being thrown into Detroit - how do you keep your head up. This will be a new beginning for him and an upgrade for the Eagles.— rotgut
