Can Ernie Simms play safety?

[casmith07]

Absolutely not.

[Idgit]

OP, this isn't a dumb topic. But I think the idea was considered and discarded. I'm sort of surprised they haven't tried him in that role in some packages. It seems like the kind of thing RR would do. It might just be the learning curve for him at ILB is steep enough.

[ROUSH8692]

Originally Posted by Idgit

OP, this isn't a dumb topic. But I think the idea was considered and discarded. I'm sort of surprised they haven't tried him in that role in some packages. It seems like the kind of thing RR would do. It might just be the learning curve for him at ILB is steep enough.

Disagree... this is a dumb topic

[Idgit]

Originally Posted by ROUSH8692

Disagree... this is a dumb topic

You're free to. He's right, though, that Rob Ryan has publicly said that he tried to pitch the idea of converting Ernie to SS when he was in OAK. And he's right that the Cowboys reportedly aren't in love with Simms' size at ILB, so, take that for what it's worth.

NE's had success with stranger personnel moves than these. Sometimes you really do try to just get your best players on the field somehow.

[Omegasupreme]

Originally Posted by RoyTheHammer

Alright, so you're a MLB.. can you farm?

That was awesome!

[xwalker]

At least the OP had an idea that was based on an idea suggested by the Cowboys actual defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, not just an internet/madden type of suggestion.

I doubt that he would be put into a starting role as a safety at this point; however, I could easily see him playing some of the specialty positions that are normally played by a safety.

Sims is faster, heavier and more athletic than many NFL starting safeties.

Ernie Sims
Height: 5111
Weight: 231
40 Yrd Dash: 4.50
20 Yrd Dash: 2.64
10 Yrd Dash: 1.54
Vertical Jump: 41
Broad Jump: 10'05"

Mark Barron
Height: 6011
Weight: 213
40 Yrd Dash: 4.54
20 Yrd Dash: 2.65
10 Yrd Dash: 1.63
Vertical Jump: 34 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'02"

[jzcowboy]

Is he healthy enough to play?

[Supercowboy1986]

Originally Posted by xwalker

At least the OP had an idea that was based on an idea suggested by the Cowboys actual defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, not just an internet/madden type of suggestion.

I doubt that he would be put into a starting role as a safety at this point; however, I could easily see him playing some of the specialty positions that are normally played by a safety.

Sims is faster, heavier and more athletic than many NFL starting safeties.

Ernie Sims
Height: 5111
Weight: 231
40 Yrd Dash: 4.50
20 Yrd Dash: 2.64
10 Yrd Dash: 1.54
Vertical Jump: 41
Broad Jump: 10'05"

Mark Barron
Height: 6011
Weight: 213
40 Yrd Dash: 4.54
20 Yrd Dash: 2.65
10 Yrd Dash: 1.63
Vertical Jump: 34 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'02"

Thank you for having a brain. People on this board are not always the brightest unfortunately.

[perrykemp]

Originally Posted by Supercowboy1986

Thank you for having a brain. People on this board are not always the brightest unfortunately.

It's a fun theoretical exercise, however, the idea of Ernie Sims running down down the seam with a good WR is preposterous.

[Future]

Originally Posted by links18

And Patrick Watkins was a killer Red Zone receiver......

aaand thread

[lostar2009]

probably better than who we have on roster now.. but that safety learning curve is steep.. ilb and s are the hardest positions to play on defense because the player must be very cerebral.

[Supercowboy1986]

Originally Posted by perrykemp

It's a fun theoretical exercise, however, the idea of Ernie Sims running down down the seam with a good WR is preposterous.

Exactly! That's what I was going for when I made this. A lot of posters do not like to do some of these fun scenarios. That's one thing I really enjoy talking about with other fans. I just find it odd that on a MB about our team very few like to have these kind of discussions and it frustrates me.

[perrykemp]

Originally Posted by Supercowboy1986

Exactly! That's what I was going for when I made this. A lot of posters do not like to do some of these fun scenarios. That's one thing I really enjoy talking about with other fans. I just find it odd that on a MB about our team very few like to have these kind of discussions and it frustrates me.

I've got no problem with threads like these. They are fun -- we just all need to be realistic that major position changes almost NEVER work out in the Pros.

Best one I can think of -- I'm sure others can come up with better ones is Roy Green the great Cardinal WR -- I believe he came into the league as a CB and switched after his 1st year.

Rod Berstein -- a Chargers RB who they converted to TE also comes to mind.

[Illini88228]

I don't want to give up the athleticism he brings to the reserve linebacker spot.

One of the reasons the D has been able to hold together this season is that Sims has been able to cover ground from the inside linebacker position. Sproles wouldn't have been able to abuse us in the Saints game so bad if Sims could have stayed in. Connor and Poppinga just don't have the zip to cover speedier backs like that.

[Erik_H]

Originally Posted by xwalker

At least the OP had an idea that was based on an idea suggested by the Cowboys actual defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, not just an internet/madden type of suggestion.

I doubt that he would be put into a starting role as a safety at this point; however, I could easily see him playing some of the specialty positions that are normally played by a safety.

Sims is faster, heavier and more athletic than many NFL starting safeties.

Ernie Sims
Height: 5111
Weight: 231
40 Yrd Dash: 4.50
20 Yrd Dash: 2.64
10 Yrd Dash: 1.54
Vertical Jump: 41
Broad Jump: 10'05"

Mark Barron
Height: 6011
Weight: 213
40 Yrd Dash: 4.54
20 Yrd Dash: 2.65
10 Yrd Dash: 1.63
Vertical Jump: 34 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'02"

Exactly.

So while it's unlikely, it is not the kind of outlandish suggestion that some have made it out to be with their comments.

Truth is, 20 years ago a guy with Sims measurables might have made a pretty good strong safety. Now that today's best safeties are closer to CBs, it would be a tougher transition. Who knows, in the offseason (if we hold on to him) we may look into having him be a hybrid type player. I wouldn't expect to see him as one of our starting 2 though.