Go here for the Day 2 Open Thread. Talk about the Sims pick here.
Here's the defensive tackle pick after selecting a wide receiver and linebacker in the first two rounds. This addresses the teams three biggest needs heading into the NFL draft. Sims isn't Ellis, but circumstances made that all for naught.
A quick Mock Draft note, I took Pat Sims in the second round we take him in the third round. To be honest, this is the first time, though all the mock drafts I've participated in, that I actually selected the same players -- though it was in separate rounds, so I suppose it's not perfect. But I did pick Rivers in the first and Sims in the second. So, go me.
Here's a few highlights.
Sims' combine page gives a few notes.
Positives: Thick, powerful build. ... Impressive quickness off the snap. ... Penetrates through the gaps and can blow up the play before the quarterback even has time to set-up. ... Good explosive use of hands to pop the offensive guard and disengage from blocks. ... Stout run defender with the lower body strength and natural leverage to hold up at the point of attack. ... Developed into a team leader as he matured.
Negatives: Consistency is the biggest concern with Sims. ... Developed into a dominant performer in 2007, but had posted only 16 career tackles before his breakout junior season. ... Can be a bit undisciplined in his play, breaking through the line with such quickness that he loses his gap responsibility.
Sims leaving Auburn as a Junior, would appear that he'd be a very high draft pick if he stayed his senior season. Some draft sites rate Sims as good as Dorsey or Ellis, but raw and young. Sims is 6'2", 310 pounds having run a 5.0 40.
Remember this goal-line stop against Florida in 2006?
Strengths: Has adequate height, good bulk and above-average quickness for his size. Has an explosive first step, does a good job of anticipating the snap and can shoot into the backfield. Has active hands, has and makes it difficult for blockers too lock onto frame. Takes adequate pursuit angles and is fluid scraping down the line of scrimmage. Plays with a good motor and is a relentless pass rusher. Squares up to ball carriers, wraps up upon contact and is an effective tackler that can deliver big hits. Plays with a mean streak, takes the shortest path to the quarterback and flashes the ability to collapse the pocket. Runs line stunts well and flashes an effective rip move when works inside. Can redirect and shows an adequate spin move. Keeps head up, gets hands up when isn't going to get the quarterback and times jumps fairly well. Played with a cast on hand at times last year and is tough.
Weaknesses: Has a tendency to stand up when he gets tired, lacks elite lower body strength and has problems holding ground against double teams. Doesn't play with a wide base, doesn't protect legs well enough and occasionally gets knocked to the ground. Sat out 2005 season so only has two years of playing experience and is raw. Appears lost at times, has some problems locating the ball and gets caught out of position a little too much. Can be overaggressive and gets caught too far upfield at times. Doesn't have ideal instincts, has some problems adjusting to down blocks and doesn't do a great job of sniffing out screens.
Overall: Auburn red-shirted Sims in 2004 and he didn't play in 2005. Sims appeared in all 13 games of the 2006 season finishing with 16 total tackles including five tackles-for-loss and three sacks. He started 12 of the 13 games he appeared in during the 2007 season finishing with 37 total tackles including 29 unassisted tackles and 11.5 tackles-for-loss. Sims also recorded 4.5 sacks, 12 quarterback-hurries, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups last year. Sims needs to play with more consistent leverage and he will never be great at taking on blocks in a two-gap scheme. However, he is a quick and powerful DT/NT who displays the ability to disengage and disrupt plays in the backfield both versus the run and as an inside pass rusher. Sims only starred for one season at Auburn but from what we saw he's an underrated prospect with enough talent to warrant second-round consideration.
This page will be continuously updated with analysis.