When Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman got his first look at rookie tight end Dion Sims, his initial thought was that Sims didn't have a chance.
The former Michigan State Spartan played at 280 pounds in college and "didn't move well," according to Sherman.
It didn't take long for Sims to change Sherman's mind, however. Sims returned to OTAs 20 pounds lighter and quickly began shaping up as the prospect Miami hoped it was getting.
"To the credit of our personnel staff, they projected if he lost the weight he would be able to be the tight end he is right now," Sherman said this week, via MiamiDolphins.com. "He’s done a very good job, and I think he’ll be a fine tight end in this league.”
The Dolphins drafted Sims to bolster the run-blocking acumen in their tight end corps while adding a big, physical body to work in the middle of the field. But with Dustin Keller's catastrophic leg injury sending the veteran to IR, Sims will be asked to do a little more in 2013.
Sherman now likes Sims chances.
Sherman now likes Sims chances.
"He has long arms on really low and high catches that normal tight ends weren’t going to make," Sherman said. "He’s improved his blocking. He’s improved his route running, and I can’t say enough about the progress."
Sims hauled in seven passes for 69 yards and a touchdown in preseason action.
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Sims hauled in seven passes for 69 yards and a touchdown in preseason action.
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
