According to Mike Chappell of the Indy Star, the Colts have, once again, plucked a former bust in the first round from the free agent scrap heep and signed him to their roster. Ernie Sims, a sixth year veteran out of Florida State, was signed today.

Wow. Feels like Christmas with all this good, positive news trickling in today.

Sims was the 9th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played four seasons for the Detroit Lions before getting traded in 2010 to the Philadelphia Eagles as part of a three-team deal that sent Denver Broncos tight Tony Scheffler to Detroit and Sims from Detroit to Philadelphia. The Eagles sent a 5th round pick to Denver in the 2011 draft.

After a 2010 season, which saw Sims earn 55 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble in Philly's defense, the Eagles cut him.

Eagles fan on Twitter are telling me Sims played well in Cover-2, which the Eagles defense sometimes plays when they aren't gang-rushing the QB. I'll get some more info on him later today from my buddy Jason Brewer at Bleeding Green Nation, a blog that covers the Eagles.

At 6'0, 230 pounds, Sims seems best suited for SAM backer in Indy's hybrid Tampa-2. Just like the Jamaal Anderson signing, this was a good move by the front office (see, when they do good, Brad cheers!). Coupled with the signing of Anthony Castonzo today, we finally have some positive vibes humming from Anderson and West 56th Street in Indianapolis.

If there is one knock on Sims it is that he's a dirty player. From our writer David Deitz, November of last year:

Ernie Sims – Sims is a dirty player. Even after last week’s $50,000 fine for a dangerous hit, nothing is going to change. He even said it himself. While his attitude is disgusting, it also sets the tone for the defense. He is an active, quick and physical player who will be in on tackles all day. His name will be called plenty of times today, lets just hope its not because he injured a Colts player on another dirty hit.

Should the Colts bring in someone like Tommie Harris, or perhaps kick the tires on Donte Whitner, my feelings on this team will begin to change.

Linebacker depth was an issue entering this season. Adding Sims helps in that area, if he can stick to the roster. If Sims does stick, then that does not bode well for Philip Wheeler.