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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: LeShaun Sims, CB

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2016 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Gabe Ward
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

LeShaun Sims, CB
School: Southern Utah | Conference: Big Sky
College Experience: Senior | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 203 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 5th Round or 6th Round
NFL Comparison: Jamar Taylor

College Statistics

Year School Conf Class Pos G Total Tackles Int Yds Avg PD
2012 Southern Utah Big Sky FR CB 9 37 3 9 3 2
2013 Southern Utah Big Sky SO CB 13 62 3 20 6.6 4
2014 Southern Utah Big Sky JR CB 12 67 0 0 0 9
2015 Southern Utah Big Sky SR CB 12 54 2 26 13 10

Player Overview

LeShaun Sims presents great value in the later rounds at the cornerback position. He's a tough and physical cornerback that makes quick decisions and dominated the competition in the Big Sky conference. Sims has the size NFL teams are looking for at the position. In addition to his physicality in coverage he isn't afraid to tackle. Sims physical play is definitely his defining trait. His teammate Miles Killebrew is known for his hard hits but Sims caused his share of incompletions with his hard-hitting style of play as well. Sims also flashes good vision. On his best plays he reads the quarterback's eyes and he tracks the ball well in the air closing quickly to disrupt the pass or to make the hit. 

Some think Sims' best position in the NFL is at safety. Though his versatility has yet to be proven at that position it could increase his value come draft day. Sims looks comfortable playing off and press coverage – a change in position could work if he could learn the nuances of the position and maintain his pursuit and angle integrity. Sims best position though may still be at cornerback. He is an obvious pest to receivers and has solid man to man coverage skills. He isn't lacking in many physical attributes for the position but one that stands out is his hands size and it showed up on film. There are a lot of passes Sims should have picked off but simply dropped. He obviously isn't a natural pass-catcher but the size of his hands doesn't help him.

Strengths

  • Great size for the position and good athleticism.
  • Good press coverage and man to man cover skills.
  • Good vision and recovery ability.
  • A nuisance with physical style of coverage. Also a willing and able tackler.

Weaknesses

  • Small hands and not a natural pass catcher he dropped passes that should have been sure picks.
  • Has technique issues specifically when playing bail coverage.
  • Transition to the pros is questioned because of the level of competition he played against.


Let's see his work:



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How He Would Fit on the Redskins

Sims is yet another late round option at corner the Redskins could consider in what is a pleasantly deep cornerback class this year. Sims has the size, physicality, and demeanor the Redskins are looking for. I don't think he should be moved to safety at the NFL level – at least as long as his man cover skills hold up against NFL level competition. Sims is an outside corner who I think would excel in playing the boundary. His aggression would serve the Redskins well when he contributes on special teams. It would likely serve Sims well coming from such a small conference to not be immediately thrown into the fire and work on his technique issues and understanding of NFL level coverages and opposing offensive routes. Sims has a solid foundation to build upon and should be in the conversation to be drafted on day 3.

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