STRENGTHS - To say that Sims "looks the part of an NFL TE" would be a drastic under-statement as he has the size and physique that makes NFL teams drool. Once he gets moving at the snap, Sims accelerates to full speed quickly and has better than expected speed down for a big TE. Soft, natural hands combine with Sims' body control and coordination so that he can twist and adjust to make tough catches with remarkable ease. He shows no hesitation catching passes heading into traffic and can get up to win jump ball battles over defenders. While he could run more aggressively after the catch, Sims strength and athleticism help him to run through hits and arm/grab tackles to gain yards after contact. He has the size and natural strength to be a dominating blocker when he gives the effort and uses good technique.
WEAKNESSES - Sims without question frustrates with his lack of intensity and aggressiveness. For a TE with his size and natural strength, Sims is a below average blocker due to a lack of consistent effort. He often gets upright at the snap on run blocks and does not aggressively go get man. Rather he ends up just trying to get in the way as a blocker and is not consistently effective. For such a smooth athlete with good playing speed, Sims lack of explosiveness off the ball hinders his ability to get off the ball fast or get separation down the seam. Much more of a smooth route runner, Sims lacks a burst out of his cuts to get separation from NFL linebackers in man coverage.
SUMMARY - After a junior season when he was not as dominant as was expected, Sims surprised many when he declared for the Draft. There has never been any doubt about Sims talent, but his lack of intensity/aggressively definitely limits his overall production; especially as a blocker and runner after the catch. Based on his film Sims was viewed as a likely third round pick, but after an outstanding Pro Day performance where he looked like "a first round pick" according to NFL sources in attendance, Sims' stock is definitely on the rise. Overall, the most likely scenario is that Sims will be a solid receiving tight end who frustrates coaches with his inconsistent blocking and lack of intensity/aggressiveness. However, if his coaches can motivate him to crank things up he has the talent to be an impact tight end who changes games as a receiver and blocker.