Isaiah Simmons is quickly demonstrating his ability to adapt to the linebacker position in Green Bay’s training camp, confirming why the Packers made him a key offseason signing. During the first two days of practice at Nitschke Field, Simmons, a versatile defender known for his hybrid skills, has made an immediate impact as the team’s new off-ball linebacker.
In place of Quay Walker, who is recovering from ankle surgery, Simmons took part as the third linebacker in coordinator Jeff Hafley’s base defense. He disrupted plays twice in Wednesday’s practice by quickly attacking running back Josh Jacobs on both a pitch and a screen, showcasing his quickness and anticipation.
Key Plays Signal Simmons’s Growing Influence in Defensive Sets
On Thursday, Simmons continued to impress by working alongside Ty’Ron Hopper in the nickel defense’s second unit. He deflected a pass from Malik Willis at the line of scrimmage, enabling Carrington Valentine to secure an interception during a sliding catch. These moments highlight Simmons’s impact on both run defense and pass coverage early in camp.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 238 pounds, Simmons’s speed and agility are immediately noticeable, but he believes there is still more room for growth as he acclimates to his role.
“I still feel like I’m not really going how I can get,”
he said after Thursday’s practice.
“I feel like that’s going to come with me just getting more comfortable with this playbook and the new position … as well as me grasping the concepts of Haf’s defense.”
Transition from Defensive Back to Linebacker
Simmons views playing strong-side linebacker as a new challenge after spending the last two seasons primarily in defensive back roles with the New York Giants. Although he was drafted eighth overall in 2020 largely as a linebacker in Arizona, his usage then was varied and often hybrid, including roles as a safety and edge defender.
While his versatility was once seen as a double-edged sword—offering many responsibilities but limiting specialization—the Packers have helped narrow his focus. Now concentrated on the off-ball linebacker position in certain packages, Simmons feels this specialized approach has been advantageous.
“I feel like it’s been beneficial to me so far, just allowing me to really learn one thing (as) opposed to learning this today, something else tomorrow, and who knows the next day,”
Simmons explained. “I’m really appreciative of that.”
Coaches Recognize Simmons’s Unique Talents and Potential
As Simmons continues to study the Green Bay defense, the coaching staff is simultaneously learning how to maximize his skill set. Head Coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged Simmons’s remarkable physical measurements and high draft pedigree, emphasizing the team‘s effort to integrate him effectively.
“There’s a reason he was a top 10 pick,”
LaFleur said.
“He’s got all the measurables, and it’s just getting him acclimated with our system and knowing what he can do, and try to put him in some advantageous positions where he can really showcase his talent.”
Peers Praise Simmons’s Rare Blend of Speed and Size
Running back Josh Jacobs, who faced Simmons earlier in his career, noticed the linebacker’s unusual speed and agility. Jacobs described Simmons as “a unicorn” at the position and expressed excitement to see how Simmons performs once he puts on full pads.
“I just can’t wait to see him in pads,”
Jacobs said.
“I want to see how physical he is. I’ve played against him a couple times so I know what kind of player he is, but it’s different when you see it on a day-to-day basis.”
Safety Xavier McKinney, who was Simmons’s teammate with the Giants last season, strongly advocated for the Packers to sign him. McKinney echoed Jacobs’s sentiments about the linebacker’s rare athletic profile.
“You don’t really see ‘backers like him with his size, his length that can run, that can cover, that can tackle – can really do all those things and be productive,”
McKinney said.
“He’s going to be a big part of our defense.”
Simmons Focuses on Being Himself While Contributing to the Team
Despite not fitting the typical linebacker mold, Simmons embraces the opportunity to play a role that leverages his unique combination of size, speed, and agility. His future impact in Green Bay remains uncertain but promising as he continues to develop within the system.
He prefers to stay grounded and concentrated on helping the team rather than trying to prove critics wrong.
“I’m just going to be myself, man,”
Simmons said.
“I’m not really here to show anything to anybody else, prove any points to anybody. That’s not what I’m here for. I’m just here to be myself and help the team out.”
Implications of Simmons’s Development in Green Bay’s Defense
Simmons’s early performances provide hope that he can become a dynamic force for the Packers on defense, bringing versatility and playmaking ability to the linebacker position. With continued learning and adjustment, he could unlock another level of effectiveness tailored to Jeff Hafley’s defensive scheme.
The Packers’ investment in Simmons reflects their belief that his rare athletic traits can help revitalize their linebacker corps, especially while Quay Walker recovers. How quickly he can translate his potential into consistent impact will be a storyline to watch throughout the season, as the team seeks to strengthen its defensive identity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Isaiah Simmons?
A. Ex-Giants Linebacker Joins Packers
The New York Giants have lost Isaiah Simmons, a linebacker who has now signed with the Green Bay Packers after the 2025 NFL Draft.
Former Clemson Player Starts New NFL Chapter
Isaiah Simmons, previously a standout at Clemson, has secured a spot with a new team in the NFL.
Q. Is Isaiah Simmons still a giant?
A. After last season, the Giants decided not to offer Simmons a new contract. This spring, the Green Bay Packers took him on, and he is aiming to fully develop his skills as a linebacker with them.
Q. What was Isaiah Simmons 40 time?
A. At the 2020 NFL Combine, Isaiah Simmons was the fastest linebacker, running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds.