Auburn DT Patrick Sims visits Dolphins

Auburn defensive tackle Patrick Sims, a graduate of Dillard High School, spent the last two days visiting with the Dolphins, according to a source.

Sims, a projected late first-round or early second-round choice in the NFL draft, falls into a group of defensive tackles behind Glenn Dorsey of LSU and Sedrick Ellis of Southern California.

The Dolphins interest in the 6-2, 310-pounds Sims could be an indication that they don't intend to use the overall No. 1 for Dorsey.

Sims, who didn't play football in 2005, blossomed into a solid defensive lineman last season as he was first team All-Southeastern Conference. He had 37 tackles, including 11.5 for loss (74 yards). He had 4.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hurries. He was Defensive MVP in the Chick-fil-A-Bowl.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-dolvisit041808,0,7453042.story

 

Name: *Pat Sims
College: Auburn Number: 95
Height: 6-2 Weight: 310
Position: DT Pos2:
Class/Draft Year: rJr/2008
40 Time: 5.06 40 Low: 4.96 40 High: 5.21
Projected Round: 2 Stock:
Rated number 5 out of 149 DT's 51 / 2543 TOTAL

Combine Results

Pro Day Results
Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 6021
Weight: 310
40 Yrd Dash: 5.06
20 Yrd Dash: 2.91
10 Yrd Dash: 1.68 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 20
Vertical Jump: 27
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill:
No shuttles/groin

Dates: 03/10/08
Height: 6021
Weight: 310
40 Yrd Dash:
20 Yrd Dash:
10 Yrd Dash: 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 20
Vertical Jump: 30 1/2
Broad Jump: 07'11"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.80
3-Cone Drill: 7.67

Before Combine: Hgt: 6037, Wgt: 312, 40YD: 4.92-4.98-5.08
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=17035

 

Draft Scout Snapshot: 2007: Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference first-team selection, adding second-team honors from Rivals.com…Despite playing most of the year wearing a cast to protect a left hand fracture, Sims started all thirteen games at right defensive tackle, ranking second on the squad with 4.5 sacks for minus 47 yards, 11.5 stops for losses of 74 yards and fifteen quarterback pressures for a squad that ranked sixth in the nation in scoring defense (16.92 ppg) and total defense (297.92)…Added two forced fumbles and recovered another that he returned 21 yards for a touchdown…Also deflected three passes and recorded 37 tackles (29 solos)…Registered 18 third-down stops, including seven vs. the pass and had another stop on fourth-down action…Posted five of his stops inside the red zone, including two on goal-line plays…On 34 running plays directed at him, he held the opposition to minus 11 yards (-0.32 avg), taking down opposing ball carriers at the line of scrimmage for no gain on four of those snaps.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=17035

 

Scouting Report

The good: Sims is a powerful, compact early entry who elevated his stock significantly over his junior season. He is a wide-body athlete who flashes an explosive initial charge that allows him to hit the gap quickly and get into the backfield. He uses his fine short-range quickness well within the tackle box to make plays. He also holds the spot very well, allowing linebackers to finish plays.

The bad: He is still a relatively raw prospect. Sims gets wired to blockers too often, and further technique development is essential for him to turn his athletic ability and power into big-time production.

Outlook: A developing talent, Sims has the skills to be a starter relatively soon in his career after possibly serving as a high-level backup early on. He’s a top 100 prospect and has clubs such as the Saints, Panthers, Chiefs and Lions possibly interested in taking a shot in the second or third round.
http://nfldraft.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?sport=1&player=46&type=scoutingreport#scouting

 

Overview

Pat Sims is an intriguing prospect. He played in one game his freshman year for the Auburn Tigers before redshirting. He left the team (and football) as a sophomore and then returned in 2006. He finally got a chance to really show his stuff in 2007 and played at a very high level, recording 37 tackles (including 11.5 behind the line and 4.5 sacks) from the defensive tackle position.
Strengths

Sims has outstanding athleticism from the DT position. He has quick feet and uses them well to set up in run defense. He has some explosiveness off the snap and is able to split blockers and defend against the run. As a pass rusher, he's shown great improvement, using his burst and footwork to get into the backfield and pressure the QB (15 in 2007). He has the frame to continue to add muscle mass and long arms to disrupt passing plays when he's unable to collapse the pocket.
Weaknesses

Despite starting all 13 games in 2007, Sims is still a very raw player. He's already 23 years old, but is still learning to play the position and develop the skills and technique to be a more effective player. He gets too high off the snap at times and can be pushed off balance.
Projection

Sims has a lot of potential for growth as a player. He'll have to answer questions about his hiatus from football in 2005, but he has the physical skills to entice teams willing to work with him. Look for him to go anywhere from the beginning of the 2nd to the beginning of the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

http://condraft.com/profile.php?id=1371