Dion Sims: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Michigan State TE

Michigan State hasn't been known for producing talent at the tight end position in recent years, but Dion Sims looks ready to buck that trend.

While he never put up huge numbers for the Spartans, he has a huge frame that will be a nice target for an NFL quarterback. He'll need to improve his hands, but once he does that, he could become a solid contributor for an NFL roster.

Let's take a look at five things you need to know about Sims. 

Background

Full Name: Dion Sims

Birthday: February 18, 1991

Hometown: Detroit

High School: Orchard Lake Saint Mary's 

Major: Sociology

Year: Junior

Not only was Sims an offensive threat in high school, but he was also a first-team All-North linebacker. Sims also excelled in basketball and was one of the better players in the state.

He was recruited by Michigan State for both football and basketball.

Statistics

None of Dion Sims' statistics are going to jump off the page at you. The Michigan State Spartans never really had a pass-first offense, and Sims was still trying to reach his potential.

However, Sims did show improvement from his first year to his final season in 2012.

YEAR	REC	YDS	YDS/REC	TD
2009	11	133	12.1	3
2011	12	99	8.3	3
2012	36	475	13.2	2

All statistics courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 262 lbs.

Arm Length: 33-1/8"

Hand Size: 10-1/2"

Combine Results

40-yard dash: 4.75 seconds

Bench press: 22 reps (top performer)

Vertical jump: 35" (top performer)

Broad jump: 112"

3 cone drill: 7.36 seconds

20-yard shuttle: 4.52 seconds

60-yard shuttle: 12.10 seconds

Pro Day Results

Bench press: 26 reps

Dion Sims had a really great showing at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine. He used the opportunity to show NFL teams just how athletic of a player he can be in the NFL.

He displayed the strength, speed and athleticism that teams love in tight ends these days.

All combine results courtesy of NFL.com.

All pro day results courtesy of WalterFootball.com.

Interesting Facts

You have to wonder whether Dion Sims would have made a better basketball player than he will a football player. As a senior in high school, Sims averaged 21.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.

He finished fourth in the Hal Schram Mr. Basketball Award that season. ESPN actually had Sims ranked as the 50th-best small forward in the country and a 4-star recruit.

Observations

One of Dion Sims' most intriguing characteristics is his brute strength. Pat Kirwan of CBSSports.com shared this little tidbit of information with us last month:

"

Talkin w/TE Dion Sims-Mich St. As HS frosh ave 20pts/10reb on varsity hoops-had hoop offers out now a 490 bench press guy and a big target

— Pat Kirwan (@PatKirwanCBS) March 21, 2013"

Not only does Sims have great strength, but Dion Caputi of National Football Post is intrigued with his entire skill set:

"

#MichiganSt TE Dion Sims is a massive-framed athlete. Looks like a really capable receiving option running up the seam. Picks up steam well.

— Dion Caputi (@nfldraftupdate) February 23, 2013"