After finishing a workout at the Detroit Lions practice facility, linebacker Ernie Sims was greeted by general manager Martin Mayhew with some stunning news. Sims had been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
A former first-round pick (9th overall) in 2006, Sims was part of a team that won two games over the last two seasons. Now, he's part of an organization that is in the mix year in and year out for the Super Bowl.
"I'm just real excited. That part of my career is over with. I'm ready for a new beginning," Sims said in a conference call with reporters on Monday afternoon. "I've been watching Philadelphia for a long time. My (Florida State) teammate Brodrick Bunkley, I've been watching him on film. I'm just excited to be a part of it."
Sims said that he can play all three linebacker positions. The 6-0, 230-pounder primarily plays on the outside and has been responsible for covering the tight end in the past. He added that he can play all on all three downs and in the nickel defense.
While he doesn't know what his role will be after speaking with head coach Andy Reid and general manager Howie Roseman earlier today, Sims isn't expecting to come in and be handed a starting job.
"I've been competing my whole life. I don't expect to come in and just be handed a job. I expect to come in and work for my position," Sims said.
A starter since his rookie season, Sims collected 505 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception. In each of his first three seasons, Sims racked up over 100 tackles. He missed five games last year due to a shoulder injury and a hamstring injury, but claimed that he "came back strong from both" injuries and is healthy now.
Sims admitted that he doesn't know much about the Eagles defense except that it's an aggressive 4-3 scheme. That suits Sims just fine.
"Blitzing is something I strive at," he said.
Promising to be one of the "hardest workers," Sims comes to Philadelphia with a chance to help solidify the linebacker position. Even though he's entering his fifth NFL season, Sims is just 25 years old. On the eve of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Eagles net a starting veteran linebacker while being able to solidify the foundation of this team for years to come.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 1:20 p.m., April 19
