Dion Sims #80

[HoneyB]

I'm wondering about Dion Sims, and his blocking. He seems to be coming along, and had that great game against the Falcons, but whiffed on a block on Sunday which lead to negative yards, and I don't know how much he's helping the run game.

The TE coach, Dan Campbell, is not a problem. One of the few coaching areas we should feel confidence in. In any case, I wondered about what they wanted in Sims when they drafted him.

I understand the original plan was to use him in 2 TE packages with Dustin Keller. Michael Egnew and Charles Clay were both struggling with in-line-blocking. Sims was used primarily as a blocker at Michigan State, and accomplished enough as a pass-catcher to hope that he could become a dual threat. Basically, our new Anthony Fasano, only better.

Sims himself said, "The Dolphins liked my blocking skills, and with my size and weight, they believe I can make things happen in the passing game too." He went on to explain that the Dolphins are expecting more from him in terms of receiving, and that he'd have to "polish up that aspect of the game." He was used to blocking at Michigan.

But was he really a sure thing as a blocker?

I found this website interesting, because it cast some doubt on his blocking skills, and illustrated Sims hand usage:

http://draftbreakdown.com/dion-sims-evaluation/

"Despite his massive size, I was rather underwhelmed with Dion Sims as a run blocker. While on some occasions he showcased the ability to be able to push his man out of the play, much of the time, I felt as if he blocked more like a receiving tight end. Even in situations in which Sims was able to win on his block, I saw it happening more due to his footwork and proper positioning as opposed to brute strength."



Both of Sims’ hands are on the shoulder pad of the defender as opposed to being inside of the chest.

So if he's coming along more slowly than we'd like, maybe there's good reason. And maybe we may see a big jump in his contributions next year, instead of his rookie year.

Sherman mentioned in an interview in August, that Sims was learning, and that overall he was dealing with "a lot of younger guys and working through some those issues."

 

[KPDolfan424]

Yea I don't know I thought he was gonna be a big part if our offense after the Atlanta game but he's been invisible


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[cullenbigcstill]

Well he also has Egnew in front of him who has really developed into a better blocker. Egnew doesn't appear dazed and confused and appears to be physical and tough. He has developed incredibly through the offseason and I'd expect more of the same for Dion.

TE is a tough position to transition to because of the blocking and route running you must master before playing as well as knowin where in the formation to be. Dion has appeared to be slow out there, not in speed but over thinking and not sure of himself IMO. He had skills coming out of MSU and lost weight and was more athletic than I saw from his college days. Even the beloved Jimmy Graham had a developmental first year where he only had 19 receptions.

These two guys are developing and will only get better because coach Campbell is experienced and has first hand knowledge and displays passion.

I think it's important to not expect too much from these young guys with this regime, especially guys drafted in 3rd round and after. The guys just don't play because they were drafted they got to earn it and it takes time for this stubborn regime to give playing time.

When we saw Egnew last year he was way over his head we all thought this guy is a waste of a roster spot, many feel that way about a few of the picks this year especially Dallas Thomas. Lets see what an offseason brings. It either produces an Egnew who nobody thought would amount to anything or it will produce a Martin who's a big pu$$y and no matter what he would do he was too soft to develop into a NFL caliber player.

 

[Dr. Phin]

Yea I don't know I thought he was gonna be a big part if our offense after the Atlanta game but he's been invisible

Exactly. Of all the picks this year, I expected him to have some impact; especially after the injury to Keller. I should have known that an Ireland pick wouldn't produce...

 

[MartinTheSNAKE]

Release the Egnew

 

[So Be]

We have 0 TE's who can block this year. I was hoping that Sims could at least do that but, he is not ready at best. We put him in pass protect 31 times (little over a game) and he gave up 2 sacks and 2 hurries. His run blocking is bad as well. Clay has bee horrible and Egnew a little below average n limited snaps.

This kills us in any 2 TE formations in run or pass.

 

[Wildbill3]

Exactly. Of all the picks this year, I expected him to have some impact; especially after the injury to Keller. I should have known that an Ireland pick wouldn't produce...

I have a hard time blaming Ireland when philbin and his staff are the ones who put the players on the field. Ireland gets plenty of blame, but don't leave out the inept coaches.

 

[HoneyB]

Well he also has Egnew in front of him who has really developed into a better blocker. Egnew doesn't appear dazed and confused and appears to be physical and tough. He has developed incredibly through the offseason and I'd expect more of the same for Dion.

TE is a tough position to transition to because of the blocking and route running you must master before playing as well as knowing where in the formation to be. Dion has appeared to be slow out there, not in speed but over thinking and not sure of himself IMO. He had skills coming out of MSU and lost weight and was more athletic than I saw from his college days. Even the beloved Jimmy Graham had a developmental first year where he only had 19 receptions.

These two guys are developing and will only get better because coach Campbell is experienced and has first hand knowledge and displays passion.

I think it's important to not expect too much from these young guys with this regime, especially guys drafted in 3rd round and after. The guys just don't play because they were drafted they got to earn it and it takes time for this stubborn regime to give playing time.

Yeah, it's funny when you say transition, because that's exactly what he kinda did. He played basketball in high school. It's a great advantage, when you're out there in traffic on a football field, but there are other attributes that are important.

Regarding Egnew, I know it's necessary to develop players, but at the same time I wonder if we didn't have these guys taking up a roster spot, what would our team look like. Maybe we would have other players, who would more beneficial, you don't know.

The thing about the weight, I read that too, and while that's nice, and will make him more athletic, we still need him to block. These players in college need to understand the NFL is not parade. It's not glamorous. It's a grind. It's a game of bullying another guy across the line of scrimmage. That's why you can't always draft by height and weight and other measurables. That doesn't tell you who can become an elite football player. (Anybody can be a JAG).

 

[Austin Tatious]

In the Atlanta game, he had one of the ugliest blocking displays you will ever see trying to block Osi Uminyura. Gave up a TD. It doesn't look like he had much coaching in East Lansing because be doesn't have a clue. He's got a good frame to get better if he can get coached up. He's a pretty limited guy if he's not going to be a better blocker.

 

[Dr. Phin]

I have a hard time blaming Ireland when philbin and his staff are the ones who put the players on the field. Ireland gets plenty of blame, but don't leave out the inept coaches.

So now you've started to go against the team also!!! Maybe you won't be so quick to jump on those who see the flaws much earlier than you in the future...