Clemson linebacker a versatile defender
Several years before building a Super Bowl roster in San Francisco, John Lynch the broadcaster was pining for a new kind of defensive playmaker.
What the NFL needed to counter all the offensive innovations driving up scores, he said back in
2013, was a hybrid linebacker/safety who could stay on the field no matter the down and distance, regardless of the pace or the play.
Some players have started to fit that bill, none the likes of Isaiah Simmons. The 6-4, 238-pound Clemson captain lined up at linebacker, over the slot and in the deep middle for the Tigers. He projects as an even more all-purpose pro.
“Simmons is built for today’s NFL,” said NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah, “and his role could change week to week, depending on the opponent.”
Simmons’ specialty is his versatility.
“I can fit in anywhere,” Simmons said.
Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables lined him up all over the field except nose tackle and defensive tackle.
Back in Lynch’s playing days and even during most of his time in the broadcast booth, NFL teams leaned toward prototypical prospects who fit the mold as much as the scheme.
“Tweeners,” as they were referred to — sometimes derisively — were typically downgraded for their lack of specialization.
Now, adaptability and ambidexterity are attributes.
“I think it’s really beneficial for me,” Simmons said. “I know years ago it wasn’t good to be a position-less guy. But now it’s become a benefit for me just because of all the versatility I’ll be able to [provide}.”
Although he’s had some multi-talented predecessors in recent years such as Chargers strong safety Derwin James, there’s not been anyone quite like Simmons, who can’t even count himself a genuine acolyte of any specific NFL player.
“I don’t know if I truly have one person you could compare me to just for all the different things I do,” Simmons explained.
Simmons believes NFL coaches will prove just as creative as Venables and Dabo Swinney in capitalizing on his many skills.
“Mentally I feel like there isn’t anything I can’t do,” Simmons said, suggesting he’s the remedy for all those terrific tight ends winning so many mismatches on Sunday afternoons.
“The game is evolving,” Simmons said, “Something has to be done to stop these Travis Kelces and George Kittles out there.”
And he’s just the man for the job.
Or jobs.