NFL Draft Profiles: Running Backs To Keep An Eye On
By Ben Nielsen
Nov 30, 2013; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Charles Sims (3) runs with the ball for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against Iowa State Cyclones at Milan Puskar Stadium. The Iowa State Cyclones defeated West Virginia Mountaineers 52-44 in the third overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
CHARLES SIMS
HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 214 COLLEGE: West Virginia
40 TIME: 4.48 3-CONE: 7.16 BROAD: 10’6″
CAREER STATS: 3,465 yards, 5.9 ypc; 203 catches, 2,108 yards, 10.4 ypc; 51 TDs
Charles Sims may be one of the more underrated runners in this draft. Sims started his career in the pass-happy offense of Houston before transferring as a graduate to West Virginia in 2013. There he was able to get a larger workload and display his skills as a back and receiver.
Sims is as quick as he is fast and works well in space for a 200-pound back. In his freshman season at Houston he caught 70 passes for nearly 11 yards per reception, and followed that performance up by averaging 7.5 yards per carry and 11.3 yards per catch in his sophomore year.
It should be noted Sims will turn 24 this September, so he’s an older prospect than most. This may be enough for a lot of teams to pass on him in the early part of day three. Should the Chiefs end up with him, it would likely be a sixth round situation, or they would need to have picked up more selections via a trade.
Here’s Dane Brugler and Rob Rang on Sims.
"Possesses a high-cut frame, which gives him an unusual torso for the running back position. His size belies impressive quickness and acceleration, making him a tough target for would-be tacklers. Presses the hole before making decisive cuts with a strong plant foot to burst through the crease. Shows good vision and beautiful acceleration to speed up in a hurry. Good receiver with excellent hand-eye coordination who caught a team-high 45 passes in 2013. Frequently targeted on screens and quick passes to the flat. Can split out wide and put defensive backs on their heels with a hesitation move off the snap. Shows good burst and understanding of route concepts. Can accelerate to create separation and has the leaping ability to make catches in traffic."