Dion Sims

With today's post, we're going to look at the latter of Miami's two fourth round selections. Having some questions along the offensive line and with no offensive tackles left on the board worth picking, Miami chose to select a predominantly blocking tight end in Michigan State's Dion Sims. Coming from the Big 10 conference, Sims is well versed in what it means to block in a rush-first style of offense. That's what they do in the Big 10, and that experience should be a help to whomever Miami decides is the answer to their gaping hole at left tackle. Let's take a look at Sims.

What he does well: First and foremost, Sims is a blocking tight end. Le'Veon Bell was a huge part of the Spartan offense, and he would not have been able to perform were it not for the blocking skills of Sims. At 6'5" and 260lbs, Sims is a mountain of a man who, once he's on a block, will stick to his man like glue and is very difficult to shake. Sims also, surprisingly, possesses some pretty quick feet given his massive frame. This allows him to get into position for the blocks and stay there without fumbling over his feet, wondering where they might be. His size is not only an asset in blocking, but also in the passing game. Sims is a huge target in the red-zone and knows how to use his body to shield defenders from the ball. Sims also has huge, soft hands which allows him to catch the ball with ease and get his hands around the ball to keep defenders from being able to knock it free.

Where he needs to improve: Being such a large man, Sims isn't the most agile individual. This leads to him having difficulties adjusting to bring in difficult catches. Sims doesn't flip his hips very smoothly and can get caught in bad positions if the throw is off the mark slightly. Despite his extensive experience, he will occasionally fail to get his hands in the correct position when asked to block, ending up with his hands outside the frame of the lineman instead of inside. This can lead to being called for holding during a pivotal moment in a game and is something that his coaches will drill into him, I have no doubt.  

Where he fits: Sims will be listed as the second-string tight end, but make no mistake about it, this kid will be used extensively. Today's NFL utilizes two tight end sets far more often than it did even five years ago, so you may as well say he's a starter. It's rare that you find a guy in the fourth round who is going to be a week 1 starter, but with Sims' blocking abilities, I expect just that from him. Obviously he's not going to leapfrog Keller on the depth chart, but I expect to see both on the field most of the time, with Sims lined up on the left side to assist in protecting Ryan Tannehill's blindside.

Highlight Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyutgYUJsMQ