Ernie Sims

Sims is slated to start at weak-side linebacker.

Drafting Ernie Sims might be the only Matt Millen decision that went right for the Lions. The fourth-year linebacker out of Florida State has racked up 110-plus tackles each year of his three-year career – 113 in 2008 despite playing through shoulder and knee injuries that knocked him off his 134-tackle 2007 pace. Consistency was again an issue. He had double-digit tackles in three of his first six games but then had as many as six tackles just once in his next seven. With ex-Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz taking over the head-coaching reins in Detroit and more talent added on the defensive side of the ball, we expect Sims’ numbers to improve. Sims should continue to start on the weak side, but the new scheme likely will feature more blitz packages. The additions of veterans Larry Foote and Julian Peterson give Schwartz and defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham a lot of options at linebacker, which will take the focus and leadership off Sims, allowing him to just play.

Sims is still young (he won't turn 24 until Dec. 23) and has averaged 129 tackles in his first two NFL seasons. His contributions in other categories are minimal, but his strong tackling makes that less relevant. He added 10 overall tackles and 16 solo tackles last season to his rookie numbers. We’d like to see some more consistency – he made eight or more stops in 11 games but five or fewer in four contests last year – but we can't be too picky over the long haul. He ranked fourth in the NFL last season in tackles and is boosted by teammate Paris Lenon, who tied for 14th in the league last year and takes some heat off Sims. This allows Sims to use his excellent speed to track down the ball carrier.

Sims was the final member of the 2006 draft class to make it into the Top 25 among IDP linebackers last year, behind DeMeco Ryans and A.J. Hawk. That makes the trio the best linebacker draft class in quite some time. Sims turned in a better tackling year than Hawk, and that's not too surprising considering how much smaller (232) he is and how much more speed and range he has. What is surprising is that Sims was unable to turn in any playmaking in coverage (no picks and just one pass defended) and logged just half a sack in 16 games. He should improve to be Hawk's superior in coverage and start to get at quarterbacks given his big motor, closing skills and the ability to play larger than his size. Also note that he garnered all those tackles essentially in 15 games, racking up just one tackle in an irrelevant Week 17 game. Other than that tame final contest, Sims had just one game with fewer than five tackles, making him a good deal more consistent than Hawk.

The Lions drafted Sims ninth overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. He possesses great speed and athleticism, something coveted in the Cover Two defense. He had 72 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions at Florida State in 2005, and finished his college career with 200 tackles, seven interceptions and 21 tackles-for-loss. He is expected to start for the Lions at weak side linebacker, and has the chance to be an impact IDP from day one.