Dion Sims TE Michigan State #80
Wt: 262
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Size/Athleticism: Impressive all around size. Not an elite athlete compared to many of today’s tight ends, but for he has decent athleticism for his size. He’s surprisingly quick off the snap and can get over the top of the defense if they’re not paying attention.
Separation Skills: Definitely not a deep threat, but he is sneaky fast. He’s explodes off the snap and he will catch defenders napping occasionally and slip free on a go route. Not very crisp as a route runner. Struggles to separate from most athletic linebackers and safeties in man coverage. Overwhelming majority of his big plays at MSU came when he slipped into the soft spot in zone coverage – made a living finding that spot between linebackers and the deep safety.
Ball Skills: Fairly consistent hands. He’ll go up and pluck the ball at it’s high point and quickly secure it. Athletic enough to adjust to some poorly thrown balls and shows the quick reflexes to adjust to fastballs at short distances.
Blocking: A tough in-line blocker. Consistently finishes off his block. Needs to show more awareness and know whats happening around him. He can get to the second level easily, but he missed a lot of opportunities to pick up key blocks by losing focus. Overextends at times and ends up on the ground when more athletic linebackers avoid his initial pop.
Intangibles: Arrested and suspended in 2010 for his role in stealing over 100 laptops from Detroit Public School system.
Durability: Suffered a broken hand in 2011 but played through it. Missed time with an ankle injury in 2012.
Comments: Sims has an intriguing blend of size and athleticism. He isn’t the type of receiver who will consistently stretch the field or even establish himself as a consistent option in the passing game, but he does have the skills to potentially be a starter and a three-down tight end. If he can commit to developing as a blocker and really excel in that area, he’ll compare favorably to Martellus Bennett. His injuries and off-field issues could potentially concern some teams.
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