ernie sims
The Colts signed former first round pick Ernie Sims today to a one year deal. Sims was the ninth overall pick in 2006 by the Detroit Lions, and was a starter for four years there.
He racked up over 100 tackles each year in his first three years, as he started every game. In 2009, Sims battled injuries and only had 49 tackles in eight starts. He was traded during the next offseason in a three-way trade that sent Sims to Philadelphia, while Detroit recieved Denver tight end Tony Scheffler.
Sims struggled in Philadelphia, picking up 55 tackles in 15 starts, along with two sacks.
According to Eagles fans, Sims has been terrible, and
PFF agrees:
Sims has never mastered some of the finer points of player in the NFL like coverage for example. Without laying into him too much, he’s probably (position for position) the worst starter we’ve graded over the past three years. In 2010 he was our third lowest ranked 4-3 OLB and the worst for the two years previous. Colts fans, it’s nice you’ve signed a free agent, but try not to get too excited.
While PFF's analysis may be a little on the down side (sarcasm), Sims should be in contention to start in 2011. Sims is a hard hitter, with the size and speed to be a solid WILL, but he's known to over pursue and be out of position. Sims seems to be a carbon copy of Clint Session, who just signed an enormous contract with the Jaguars.
At the worst, the Colts got solid linebacker depth for cheap. At best, the Colts got Session back for waaaaay less money. Either way, it's a low risk, high reward move for the Colts. If the coaches can teach him to keep his gap and play his position, the Colts may have just gotten a huge steal.
