I loved the signing of Dion Sims. I think he’s a classic old school in-line tight end, and he’ll fit right in with what the Chicago Bears want to be on offense. He’s a decent blocker, he runs good routes, and he’s sneaky athletic. Look for him slipping out on those bootlegs, settling down in the middle of the zone, and posting up on the end zone. When I was a training camp, I even saw the Bears run a tight end screen. And if the defense sleeps on his speed, he can get down the seam for a big gainer. He doesn’t have Zach Miller wheels, but if the Bears can get him in the right match-up, he’s fast enough.

The Bears’ went from having an iffy tight end situation last year, to potentially having a very strong group in 2017. Sims was even excited that the Bears drafted one in the second round. “I loved it,” Sims said of second round pick Adam Shaheen via CSNChicago. “He’s a big guy, (6-foot-6, 277 pounds), it was exciting just to have him here and the things that he can do to help us.”

“I feel like he brings a lot to the table and creates mismatches and trouble for opposing safeties and linebackers. It’s great news and it’s exciting for him to come and be under all the tight ends and learning.”

Biography

Age: 26-years-old

Experience: 5th year

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 268 pounds

Contract and salary cap

The Bears inked Sims to a 3 year, $18 million deal, with $10 million guaranteed

Reason for improvement in 2017

Sims is only 26 years old, so he’s entering what should be his prime. Miami head coach Adam Gase was sorry to see him leave, as he had plans to feature the tight end more in his offense. If the Bears end up playing Mitchell Trubisky this year, I can already picture Sims dragging back across the middle of the field on those play action boots. I’m predicting a career year for Sims in 2017.

Reason for regression in 2017

I don’t see Sims regressing, but I could see him getting lost in the shuffle as a receiver if Miller stays healthy and Shaheen develops quicker than expected.

Final roster odds

When he was signed I predicted he’d be the starter, and that seems to be the plan so far.