This is part of a series looking at potential 2023 NFL draft picks from the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University.
BOWLING GREEN — Christian Sims has taken advantage of some big opportunities in his football career the last couple of years.
The Bowling Green State University tight end is looking to get his most important one yet this weekend.
After putting up strong numbers for the Falcons the last two years, making an impact in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in late January, and having an impressive pro day, Sims will hope to hear from an NFL squad in the coming days as he aims to take the next step of his football journey.
Here is what to know about Sims.
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 243 pounds
Hometown: Norcross, Georgia (Norcross)
Projected NFL position: Tight end
What you’ll remember about him at BGSU: Sims proved to be a reliable target in the passing game and one of the top tight ends in not only the Mid-American Conference, but the FBS the last two seasons. After leading the MAC with 41 receptions and 418 receiving yards during the 2021 season when he was named first-team all-league, Sims followed that with 45 catches (11th among FBS tight ends) for 458 yards a year ago to receive second-team honors. In the last two years, Sims showed off his consistency in hauling in at least three passes in 19 of the 23 games he played.
Key stats: What Sims did in front of representatives from 28 NFL teams at BGSU’s pro day March 20 should help his chances of reaching the next level. Sims’ 36½-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-5 broad jump would have been tied for third overall at his position at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, while his 22 reps in the bench press would have been fourth.
Career development: Sims made his presence felt in the first game of his collegiate career. He had two catches for 27 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, in a season-opening blowout win over Morgan State in 2019. Sims played in all 17 of BGSU’s games in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, but totaled just eight catches for 72 yards (all as a freshman). His career noticeably took off at the start of the 2021 season when he had 25 catches for 232 yards in his first four games.
His future: Sims’ athleticism in the passing game, and his ability to line up at multiple spots, will be his biggest assets going forward. Sims scored a 37-yard touchdown on a wheel route at the Collegiate Bowl, and BGSU coach Scot Loeffler thinks he could be a solid west-coast fullback. Sims will be looking to be BGSU’s first tight end selected in the draft since Greg Meczka in 1974 (15th round pick by the San Diego Chargers). Sims will also hope to join a solid list of NFL players from Norcross High School that includes New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara.
Quote: “Athletic pass-catching tight end who has been very consistent the past two seasons. Fluid releasing off the line of scrimmage, plays to his 40 time, and gets down the field to split the seam. Tracks the pass in the air, gets vertical and adjusts or contorts, then grabs the ball out of the air. Displays terrific awareness, uses the sidelines well, and naturally catches the ball.” – Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network
First Published April 27, 2023, 7:12 p.m.
