Honestly, this could be really good, particularly if Nagy wants to go with a lot of 2 TEs. Having 2 productive TE passing game targets and one (Sims) who can block really well will really put defenses in a pickle of having to decide who to defend. I was one of Sims' harshest critics after last year and I stand by that. But if he can be a productive 2-way guy, that will allow us to lean on Howard the running game, while at the same time keeping a chain mover receiving option on the field at the same time.4. The Bears’ most improved player is… Dion Sims?
On an Instagram Q&A with fans last week, Bears general manager Ryan Pace was asked who on the roster has improved the most since last season. The easy layup would have been Trubisky, but Pace surprisingly declared that Dion Sims has improved the most, noting the tight end’s great offseason.
Much has been made about the tight end position in Nagy’s offense, but very little attention has been given to Sims, who doesn’t figure to be as dangerous of a receiving option as free agent addition Trey Burton or 2017 second round pick Adam Shaheen. Of course, that line of thinking is exactly what drove Sims this offseason.
“I watch film on myself during the offseason and I try to nitpick at every little thing to see what are my weaknesses,” Sims said. “And I think the big thing was route running, creating separation, being able to use my size to an advantage. Because of my size, I figure the faster I am, or the quicker I am, it will give me more of an advantage against safeties or backers or whoever is guarding me.”
Thus, Sims spent the offseason in South Florida doing more speed training, making a point of working out on hotter days with higher humidity. Through two padded practices, Sims says he can already feel the difference, and so far he is getting his opportunity to contribute in the passing game.
As for getting praised by the GM: “It gives you confidence. And it encourages you to continue working harder. That’s a lot of attention and spotlight and it puts pressure on you to handle praise and to keep working,” Sims said.
Clearly, there's a reason Pace signed Sims to multiple years at $6M per. Hopefully, he'll earn that dough in 2018 after having busted his tail in the offseason.
About the only downside to this is the effect on Adam Shaheen's PT. But coming from a small school, it might be OK.
