Booth Newspapers reports today that Ernie Sims will be asked to play more of a role in the teams new D under Jim Schwartz:

Under the new regime, Ernie Sims will be asked to play more of the role that he played at Florida State, trusting his instincts and flying to the ball. Sims was drafted ninth overall by the Lions in 2006 to be the “next Derrick Brooks” but many will tell you – including Lions head coach Jim Schwartz – that Brooks had a unique skill set to fill that weakside position in that scheme.

Every Tampa Two defense in the league is looking for the “next Derrick Brooks.” It will be interesting to see how Sims adapts to the new run defense – he’s undersized, but he’s a huge hitter who doesn’t shy away from taking on guards.