The Green Bay Packers have wrapped up their preseason following Saturday’s game. Like every team around the league, the Packers now face the difficult task of making roster cuts. One name to keep an eye on is Isaiah Simmons. The former first-round pick had strong practices but failed to carry that performance into the games.
“I see a really hungry player. He’s a very eager player right now, and he’s extremely athletic. I think his versatility is going to be something special,” said linebackers coach Sean Duggan. “I don’t think you see a lot of 6-4 guys who weigh 240 pounds and can run a 4.3. But I see a guy who, just like everybody else, is putting his head down, working hard, and trying to learn the defense. He’s learning the way we do things here.”
Despite his physical gifts, Simmons has struggled in coverage during the preseason, often looking lost on the field.
“LaFleur hasn’t publicly said Simmons is under pressure, but he didn’t need to. It has become painfully obvious. Simmons’ struggles in coverage have become a real problem through two weeks of the preseason. Quarterbacks keep targeting him, and he has done little to stop it,” wrote Lombardi Ave’s Freddie Boston.
Although Simmons hasn’t impressed on defense, Packers Wire’s Zach Kruse believes the team values his contributions on special teams.
“Some good flashes today for Isaiah Simmons. Packers obviously love him on special teams. I’m thinking he makes it,” Kruse posted.
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Simmons has yet to live up to his first-round potential, and special teams may be his only path to sticking around in the league. Barring injuries, he’s unlikely to see significant snaps on defense this season. But in the NFL, it’s all about understanding your role — and if Simmons makes the roster, his role will be on special teams.
