Isaiah Simmons Has Found A Home In Wink Martindales Giants Defense

If Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale could create a player in a lab, he would probably create Isaiah Simmons.

Big, fast, long-armed and versatile, Simmons embodies everything that sets Martindale's normally aggressive defense apart.

And if Simmons can build a defensive coordinator from the ground up, that could lead to Martindale.

“Especially Wink, I don’t know, I feel like him and I have a relationship, even though I haven’t been here long,” Simmons told The Post after the Giants’ practice Wednesday. “It’s nice to be a place where you know what you want and you’re well known.”

During Simmons' tenure with the Cardinals, they lost a defensive coordinator with the vision and creativity of Martindale.

He played under Vance Joseph during his three seasons in Arizona, which may explain Simmons' early struggles.

Just three weeks ago, the Giants acquired Simmons with the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft from the Cardinals in the seventh round.

A hybrid linebacker/defensive back, Simmons is expected to play multiple roles on defense.

The Giants' Week 1 opponent, the Cowboys, excel in both the passing and running games, so Simmons will be immediately challenged with both.

Dallas has a history of overwhelming Giants defenses, and Simmons will help cover that spot.

“I think he’s a great fit for this defense,” Martindale said. “Joe [general manager] told me to watch him first. I thought it was great to come out of the draft. ... I think he fits our system very well. No matter where we play it, it can do a lot of different things so we use it wherever we want. I've talked about positional defense before, and he's perfect for that.

Simmons' athleticism helps him provide value on the outside of the defense.

During his early years with the Giants, he worked with various special teams, including the kicking and coverage teams.

Wink Martindale is a big fan of Isaiah Simon.

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Special teams coordinator Thomas McGovey called Simmons "very talented", and head coach Brian D. Simmons said he would welcome the special teams representatives at least early in the season.

“I think it makes us a better team,” Simmons said. "Outside of athletics, I generally bring mediocre athleticism. I think special teams guys aren't usually short and athletic or tall and athletic. I think I'm more of an athletic guy. I think that This can be very useful.”

Simmons didn't want to look back on the loss to the Cardinals, saying he'd rather focus on his next chapter.

But by all accounts, Simmons finally felt like he belonged.

Simmons expressed his excitement about joining the Giants.

Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

"Oh my God, don't say 'oops,'" Simmons said.

"I think Vink really helps me and my skillset. Defensive versatility isn't necessarily unique to me. I think there have been times in the past where defensive versatility has come from my position and everything came naturally. I don't think it will be as effective if it is versatile.

Everyone may have seen a lot of people doing different things here.

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