INDIANAPOLIS – Every article of clothing that prospects wear at the Scouting Combine is screen-printed with their position. This week, Isaiah Simmons dons "LB" on his chest as he traverses the miles of indoor walkways at the Indianapolis Convention Center, bouncing from checkpoint to checkpoint on a jam-packed schedule.
But what should it really say? "DEFENSE," Simmons said.
There you have it. His position is DEFENSE.
According to Pro Football Focus, Simmons, who measured 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds at the combine, played more than 100 snaps at five different positons for Clemson in 2019. He lined up 299 times at inside linebacker, 262 at slot cornerback, 132 at free safety, 116 at outside linebacker, and 100 at strong safety.
The Giants need defensive playmakers -- plural – so perhaps Simmons could fill more than one void. As free agency approaches, the team began its re-structuring Wednesday with the release of veteran linebackers Alec Ogletree and Kareem Martin.
Analysts have frequently projected Simmons to the Giants at No. 4 in mock drafts, a testament to the shift away from "positionless" as a pejorative term. In today's NFL, it is coveted.
"I think it's really beneficial for me," Simmons said. "I know years ago it wasn't good to be a positionless guy. But now it's become a benefit for me just because of all the versatility I'll be able to do, play linebacker, play safety, whatever it is, I feel like it just helps me out."
Simmons added, "I like an interception just as much as I like getting a sack. I don't really think I have a favorite."
Simmons credited Tyrann Mathieu as the turning point for players of their ilk. With similar speculation about what position he would play at the next level – safety or cornerback, in his case – the Cardinals drafted Mathieu in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He bounced from Arizona to Houston and to Kansas City, where he helped the Chiefs win a Super Bowl earlier this month. Mathieu was named first-team All-Pro for the second time in his career in 2019.
"Personally, I model my game after a couple people," Simmons said. "If I have to go look at film of somebody to get something, it would be Von Miller just for pass rush, Jalen Ramsey for man techniques and Tyrann Mathieu just because he plays around everywhere as well. I take bits and pieces from all of them and kind of throw them into my game."
His game also includes the ability to cover tight ends, a necessity in the modern game.
"If you know who George Kittle and Travis Kelce are, then that explains it all," Simmons said. "Stopping tight ends and linebackers playing man on running backs is -- the game's no longer a 250-pound linebacker. It's more guys that are able to run side to side and are able to cover. It's just a necessity now with the tight ends and running backs."
Overcoming the mental aspect was naturally the most difficult part of playing five different positions. Thankfully at Clemson, the back seven of the defense all meet together, so Simmons wouldn't have to go from room to room to room to room to room.
"Having to know what everybody else has to do, that was the most complicated thing I had to deal with," he said. "But I learn everything very fast and I feel like that's what really benefitted me and helped me play at a high level."
At his introductory press conference, Giants coach Joe Judge said, "Our philosophy is going to be to put pressure on the opponent to prepare for multiple things." The Tigers did just that by lining up Simmons all over the field, and their record speaks for itself.
Clemson comes off back-to-back national championship appearances, winning it all in 2018. The previous year, Simmons transitioned from safety to the starting nickel/sam linebacker position. Simmons went on to win the 2019 Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker, the first player to do so in program history. Still, he wears a bracelet that says "Humble over Hype."
While Judge and new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham might value his versatility, they are also looking for leaders.
"I always preach to the younger guys that leadership doesn't have an age on it," said Simmons, a team captain in 2019. "You don't have to be a veteran, you don't have to be a starter to be a leader. A leader is just somebody who does things in the right way, even when nobody's looking."
At the combine, everyone is looking.
View photos from the college career of Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) attempts to stop Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams (2) from gaining more yardage in the first half of the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons works during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2019, file photo, Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) and Denzel Johnson react after making a defensive play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, in Clemson, S.C. Simmons was selected to The Associated Press All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team, and named Defensive Player of the Year, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2019, file photo, Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) tackles AJ Dillon (2), causing a fumble, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Clemson, S.C. Simmons was selected to The Associated Press All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team, and named Defensive Player of the Year, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)
Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins (3) runs while Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) moves in for the tackle duriung the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) celebrates a stop against South Carolina during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. Clemson defeated South Carolina 38-3. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons warms up before an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. Clemson defeated South Carolina 38-3. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons warms up before an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. Clemson defeated South Carolina 38-3. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) and linebacker Baylon Spector (10) warm up before an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. Clemson defeated South Carolina 38-3. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
South Carolina running back Rico Dowdle (5) carries the ball against Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) and K'Von Wallace (12) wrap up Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman for a loss during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) waits for a play against North Carolina State during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons waits on the snap during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) runs up the field while Will Spiers kicks a punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons waits for the play to start during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons defends during an NCAA college football game against Boston College Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) tackles Boston College quarterback Dennis Grosel after causing a fumble during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) tackles AJ Dillon (2) causing a fumble during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) attempts to bring down Louisville quarterback Micale Cunningham (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons reacts after making a defensive play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons tackles Florida State quarterback Alex Hornibrook causing a fumble during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
North Carolina's Jordan Tucker (74) blocks Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) tackles Boston College quarterback Dennis Grosel after causing a fumble during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons waits for the play to begin during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charlotte Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons waits for the play to begin during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charlotte Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) and K'Von Wallace react after a defensive play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charlotte Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons celebrates a sack during the NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Steve Jacobs)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) is congratulated after sacking the Syracuse quarterback during an CAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Steve Jacobs)
Clemson's Tanner Muse, center, Isaiah Simmons, left, and K'Von Wallace celebrate Muse's interception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson won 52-14. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson University football players Isaiah Simmons, left, and Tee Higgins walk the trading floor before ringing the New York Stock Exchange closing bell, Wednesday Jan. 30, 2019, to celebrate winning the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Clemson University football players Isaiah Simmons, second from right, and Tee Higgins, right, joined by Clemson President Jim Clements, center, ring the New York Stock Exchange closing bell, Wednesday Jan. 30, 2019, to celebrate winning the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons celebrates after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. Clemson beat Alabama 44-16. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons celebrates after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. Clemson beat Alabama 44-16. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons stops Alabama's Damien Harris during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons reacts after stopping Alabama's Najee Harris during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Clemson's Austin Bryant is interviewed by Isaiah Simmons during media day for the NCAA college football playoff championship game Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) celebrates during the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game against Notre Dame on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams (2) carries the ball as Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) defends during the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) kisses the trophy as he and his teammates celebrate their 30-3 win against Notre Dame in the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. Clemson won 30-3. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell (8), safety Nolan Turner (24) and safety Isaiah Simmons (11) celebrate a interception thrown by Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book (12) in the second half of the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) attempts to stop Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams (2) from gaining more yardage in the first half of the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) reacts after making a play against Pittsburgh in the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Pittsburgh's Jake Zilinskas (19) is tackled by Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) in the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Pittsburgh's Jake Zilinskas (19) is tackled by Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) in the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons (11) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisville, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) celebrates stoping Georgia Tech during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson defensive tackle Jabril Robinson , left, and safety Isaiah Simmons take in the sights inside the Superdome, during media day for the upcoming Sugar Bowl semi-final playoff game against Alabama, for the NCAA football national championship, in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) brings down Georgia Tech running back Clinton Lynch (22) in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) breaks up a pass intended for Syracuse wide receiver Ervin Phillips (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse upset Clemson 27-24. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Syracuse running back Dontae Strickland (4) fumbles the ball after being hit by Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Syracuse, N.Y. The ball was picked up by Clemson safety Tanner Muse (19) and returned for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons (11) tries to pull in the ball intended for Virginia Tech wide receiver Cam Phillips (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017. Clemson won the game 31-17. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons looks on during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons stands on the field after running the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons walks on the field after running the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
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