Watkins Alumni (Semi Finalist) Ernie Sims was the # 8 pick in the 2006 Draft.

Need for Speed
Lions Excited About Fresh, Young Talent in the Form of LB Ernie Sims
By Chrissie Zavicar
Detroitlions.com
April 29, 2006

Sims is the first defensive player drafted in the first round by the Lions since 1999. (Photo: Doug Benc)

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- For the first time since 1999, the Detroit Lions selected a defensive player as their first round draft pick.

With the ninth overall in the 2006 NFL Draft, the Lions selected linebacker Ernie Sims out of Florida State.

Shortly after the pick was made, President & CEO Matt Millen reinforced the fact that the Lions were looking to choose players who not only showed talent on the field, but exemplified a team player off the field.

“The other day, the one thing we said was that the guy that we were going to get was going to be a guy who was going to exemplify all of the non-talent issues,” said Millen. “That’s exactly what we picked. This is a guy, who on top of the non-talent stuff, has a lot of talent.”

The Lions selected a linebacker after a 2005 season in which the position group suffered from a high number of injuries. After beginning the season worrying about who they would have to cut because they had such a deep linebacker corps, the Lions found themselves with four of their linebackers on the Reserve/Injured list by the end of the season.

Millen, Head Coach Rod Marinelli and the Lions are hoping Sims will add a solid talent to Detroit’s young group of linebackers who will hopefully make a solid return after a year of unfortunate injuries.

“He’ll come in and he’ll be able to add to what we’re trying to do,” said Millen. “I think the biggest thing here is that it’s a piece. We’ll put the piece in and he’s got to work and make it work – and he will because he’s a talented kid and it’s important to him. That was important to us.”

While Sims’ off-the-field persona was a big reason Millen and Marinelli selected him, the junior linebacker out of Florida State also shows a high talent on the football field.

“All you have to do is turn the tape on and watch him play football,” said Marinelli. “He’s all over the field. And he plays that way every game. The guy has talent, which is key, but he plays like he has no talent, because of all the energy he brings – that’s what I really admire.”

One thing that was addressed early on by the Lions is the fact that Sims has had trouble with concussions throughout his collegiate career. While that could raise a red flag with teams, Millen looks at this fact with a different point of view.

“The first thing that that tells me: the kid hits,” said Millen. “That’s the first thing you’re telling me. The second thing is, it tells me that we need to check on it which is what we did. We weren’t the only one – he’s been gone over with a fine-tooth comb and it was a non-issue.”

So, with Sims checked out to be in top shape, the Lions are hoping he will add a fresh, young talent to the Detroit defense.

“We need to add speed, and he has a lot of speed and play-making ability,” said Millen. “The other part of it is, he’ll hit you now. This kid can hit. He’s just got to come in and learn this scheme and he’ll do well for us this year.”

It is clear that Millen and Marinelli believe Sims could be a big piece to this Lions defense, bringing in a speed and agility. But will he be a big factor this season?

“The thing I want to do is not make this a celebration but a process,” said Marinelli. “We’re in a process of getting this team better and better. We believe this is a guy who can come in and do some special things. And now he’s got to come in and do them.”

More LB Ernie Sims Coverage: