"He's a unicorn."
It's fair to say Josh Jacobs is excited about the arrival of linebacker Isaiah Simmons. It's with those three words that Jacobs described the Green Bay Packers' new signing after the team's opening day of training camp.
He then dived a little deeper.
"He can run. We can put him out on guys in the slot, and he can cover guys," said Jacobs. "Really, man, I can't wait to see him in pads. I want to see how physical he is."
Jacobs saw first-hand the kind of impact Simmons can make. According to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Simmons "flashed the speed that once made him a top 10 pick" by limiting Jacobs to only two yards on a screen pass.
It's a make-or-break season for Simmons, who signed a one-year deal with the Packers this spring. He has failed to live up to his first-round potential to this point, having spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants.
But Jeff Hafley's system might help bring the best out of Simmons.
Isaiah Simmons is back in his best role, and it didn't take long for him to make an impact at Packers camp
Simmons has the versatility to play linebacker and safety, but the veteran praised Hafley for allowing him to focus on what he does best.
Whereas other teams have tried to use Simmons in multiple roles, Hafley wants him to play just linebacker. That narrower focus will help him make more plays without having to do a bit of everything.
It's one reason why many believe Javon Bullard lacked consistency in his rookie season. The Packers put a lot on his plate, splitting his time between safety and slot corner. It doesn't look like they plan on making that mistake with Simmons.
If he can put it all together, look out. Simmons has already shown off his speed and athleticism at training camp, and with a strong summer, he could secure a roster spot and form an exciting trio with Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker.