Vikings UDFA Profile: Baylor TE Ben Sims

Sims will need to improve his blocking to have a chance at making the Vikings' roster.

Over the next couple weeks, Inside the Vikings will be taking a look at all 15 members of Minnesota's 2023 undrafted free agent class.

Vikings UDFA profile: Baylor TE Ben Sims

• Size: 6'4", 250
• RAS: 8.40
• 2022 stats: 31 catches, 255 yards, 3 TDs, 1-yard rushing TD

Ben Sims, the lone tight end in the Vikings' UDFA class, is a fantastic athlete for the position. With sub-4.6 speed, a quick first step, and an explosive lower body, he has the athletic tools to potentially stick around in the NFL, even with average size and below-average strength and agility.

Sims, a San Antonio native, spent five years at Baylor, redshirting in his first year on campus. His most productive season came in 2021, when he caught 31 passes for 361 yards and six touchdowns. Sims had a one-yard rushing TD in each of his final two seasons at Baylor. His 12 career touchdown catches are a school record for a tight end.

Appearing in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl this year, Sims showed off his athleticism by getting open and out-and-up route for a touchdown catch.

Todd Centeio connects with Baylor TE Ben Sims for the TD pic.twitter.com/T9witjtmxh

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 29, 2023

Sims' best traits are his acceleration and route-running ability. But there are real concerns about his ability to hold up as a blocker in the NFL. If he's going to even make the Vikings' practice squad, he'll need to improve in that area.

Here's the scouting report from The Athletic's Dane Brugler:

Although he builds his speed and lacks dynamic separation qualities, Sims is controlled within his routes to leverage in-breakers and make himself available to his quarterback. He has a sturdy base in pass protection but struggles to uncoil inline, and he is still learning how to properly use his hands/reach to fit and control his man in the run game. Overall, Sims is a balanced athlete with steady hands, but he isn’t a threat after the catch and needs to turn his losses into stalemates as an NFL blocker     

Vikings' projected tight end depth chart:

• T.J. Hockenson
• Josh Oliver
• Johnny Mundt
• Ben Ellefson
• Nick Muse
• Ben Sims

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