Isaiah Simmons is often referred to as a Swiss Army knife, which some believe is a fancy way of saying he has never fully established himself at any defensive position during his four-year NFL career.
The Giants acquired the versatile player as a top-10 pick from the Cardinals just before the start of last season. While he played primarily as a defensive back, especially a safety, in Arizona, the Giants used him primarily as a roving linebacker.
But on the first day of training camp on Wednesday, the 25-year-old Simmons worked with the cornerbacks in position drills and often lined up in the slot during 11-on-11 scrimmages.
“I’ve worked with DBs, but when you work with DBs you’re usually with the safeties,” Simmons said after practice. “If you think about it, the nickel position is a mix of both, but it’s more of a corner position.”
“I don’t know, it’s weird, it’s a little different, but I think technically it makes more sense to be with a cornerback than a safety. … I end up doing a lot of different things, so I’ll probably bounce around between different groups. But I’m having fun.”
Simmons said his time at Clemson playing in slot coverage “helped me get drafted No. 8 overall in 2020,” and he played 409 of 897 defensive snaps in the slot in 2022, but only 65 of 602 in 17 games (four starts) with the Giants last year.
The Giants changed defensive coordinator this season from Wink Martindale to Shane Bowen, and Simmons said he’s open to another position change right away.
“I feel like we met in the same place,” Simmons said, “so I’m grateful that Shane helped get me to where I am ultimately now.” [drafted].
“Looking back at my career, my junior season was my best season. I played nickel. I produced a lot.”
Simmons recorded career highs in 2022 at Arizona with two interceptions, four sacks and two forced fumbles.
He believes Bowen’s defensive scheme is “similar” to that of his former coordinator with the Cardinals, Vance Joseph.
“I’m comfortable in that defense,” said Simmons, who signed a one-year, $2 million contract extension with the Giants. “I think I can bring value to any defense, whatever the tactics are, but this defense in particular, I think it suits me really well.”
With Cordele Flotte moving from the slot to the outside corner, Simmons could have to compete for playing time with free agent signee Tre Herndon in camp.
Simmons, who is recovering from a calf injury he suffered during spring minicamp, added that he likes the idea of keeping his Swiss Army knife in the drawer and taking on a more consistent role within the defense.
“I think it gives me more consistency and allows me to really settle in and be my authentic self,” Simmons said. “I can master something first and then do other things. I can stay focused and do what I need to do.”
