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Two first-round picks for a defensive tackle? That's the sort of deal that makes general managers lose sleep and supporters reach for another cup of coffee.
Jeffery Simmons is no ordinary defensive lineman, though. He recorded 11 sacks last season, leading all NFL interior defensive linemen. That's impressive production from the middle of the defensive line, where quarterbacks are supposed to have a little more room to breathe.
I can understand why Chicago would be interested.
Think about what happens when a quarterback has a comfortable pocket. He can survey the field, wait for receivers to get open and pick apart a defense. Pressure coming straight through the middle can ruin that entire plan. There's nowhere comfortable to step up, and suddenly even a good quarterback starts making hurried decisions.
That's the attraction of Simmons.
But let's not pretend two first-round picks are pocket change. Those selections could become important starters for Chicago over several years. The Bears are effectively betting that Simmons can give them something those future players might not.
Personally, I'd be looking beyond his regular-season sack numbers. What happens when Chicago faces an elite quarterback in January? Can Simmons disrupt the pocket when every possession matters and the opposition has spent an entire week preparing for him?
That's where this deal will be judged.
Would you surrender two first-round picks for a defensive player like Simmons?
Jeffery Simmons is no ordinary defensive lineman, though. He recorded 11 sacks last season, leading all NFL interior defensive linemen. That's impressive production from the middle of the defensive line, where quarterbacks are supposed to have a little more room to breathe.
I can understand why Chicago would be interested.
Think about what happens when a quarterback has a comfortable pocket. He can survey the field, wait for receivers to get open and pick apart a defense. Pressure coming straight through the middle can ruin that entire plan. There's nowhere comfortable to step up, and suddenly even a good quarterback starts making hurried decisions.
That's the attraction of Simmons.
But let's not pretend two first-round picks are pocket change. Those selections could become important starters for Chicago over several years. The Bears are effectively betting that Simmons can give them something those future players might not.
Personally, I'd be looking beyond his regular-season sack numbers. What happens when Chicago faces an elite quarterback in January? Can Simmons disrupt the pocket when every possession matters and the opposition has spent an entire week preparing for him?
That's where this deal will be judged.
Would you surrender two first-round picks for a defensive player like Simmons?
