SURPRISE, Ariz. — In the brief pauses between spring training games and workouts, Chad Pinder found some time to sit down and watch the NFL Combine.
One performance stuck with Pinder in particular: Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons — a 6-foot-4, 238 pound linebacker — ran a 4.39 40-yard sprint. Pinder knew Simmons’ resumé included a list longer than linebacker. He played safety, cornerback, defensive line, even.
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There was something in Simmons that reminded Pinder of himself. It reminded him of the versatility’s value.
“You’re seeing that trend in baseball more and more, even in the minor leagues,” Pinder said “They want players to be as versatile as possible.