Draft Winner: Charles Sims
April 29th, 2018
Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Call Charles Sims the comeback kid.
A week ago he was on the street, unemployed for over a month. Then the Bucs re-signed him and did not draft a running back to replace him.
In the late rounds of the draft yesterday, Joe surely thought the Bucs would chase a guy with edge rush potential and or a running back, their second of the 2018 draft. Instead, they went Ivy League receiver and banged up linebacker.
Man, Sims, the guy with the most snaps at running back for Tampa Bay last season, had to feel awfully good about that.
It will be very interesting to see how Dirk Koetter handles his four running backs this season.
Who gets Dirk Koetter’s trust on third down? And who proves to be the most dangerous on third down?
Will Koetter open up an honest competition at running back, or will he gift second-round pick Ronald Jones the rock and let everybody else battle for second banana?
April 29th, 2018 at 11:38 am
I, too, thought they would pick Hines. He can return kicks! Did they draft anyone with kick return experience?
April 29th, 2018 at 11:39 am
Kinda surprised we didn’t double dip on the RB’s. I also keep hearing that RoJo can spell Barber. Not so sure Barber will be the starter. Might be Barber doing the spelling.
April 29th, 2018 at 11:48 am
RB Dimitri Flowers is still out there. Undrafted. Hope we get him.
Flowers can run hard. Catch. Block. He is everything that Sims is not…except experienced.
April 29th, 2018 at 11:51 am
Sims is solid depth which is obviously needed at this position. He know the offense and is solid on passing downs. Glad we still have him.
April 29th, 2018 at 11:51 am
I’ve always liked Sims and think he will help us this year if he and the line stay healthy.
April 29th, 2018 at 11:56 am
Two words. Peyton barber. Sims is third on the depth and probably loses his third down running back slot
April 29th, 2018 at 11:58 am
Casual Observer Says:
“He can return kicks! Did they draft anyone with kick return experience?”
Nope.
April 29th, 2018 at 11:58 am
Buc potential losers.
Stevie T., Javeon Elliott, Cameron Lynch, Freddie Martino & perhaps Josh Robinson & Bobo Wilson there are several others on the roster that weren’t prominent players…Joe Dirt, Maurice Fleming, Nigel Harris, Issiah Johnson, Jeff Knox, Jake Lampman, Devin Lucien & David Rivers.
April 29th, 2018 at 12:04 pm
I think the GM took experience over potential for 2nd option in the RB department
…………Sims does have great hand
…..but he also has a goofy running style like michael Pittman did
April 29th, 2018 at 12:07 pm
Dewey I don’t think management used a very high 2nd round pick on a RB to “spell” a RB that they picked up an undrafted free agent. As with most things, follow the money. Unless he pulls and Jeremy McPlaybook he will be your starter from day 1.
April 29th, 2018 at 12:09 pm
I think Jacquizz Rodgers is the odd man out here. Doesn’t really bring much to the table as far as skill set. RoJo and Barber are your power backs, and CS34 is your 3rd down/receiving back. Hopefully RoJo and Barber get the majority of carries, but we all know CS is a favorite of Koetter so he’ll probably be on the field for the large majority of 3rd downs.
April 29th, 2018 at 12:22 pm
@Bonzai
Dimitri Flowers signed with the Jets. Besides, he is a FB anyway.
April 29th, 2018 at 12:22 pm
Not so fast the 2nd phase of free agency usually start after the draft and this is the time when veteran players like Demarco Murray and CJ Anderson find homes.
April 29th, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Joeypoppems Says
“@Bonzai
Dimitri Flowers signed with the Jets. Besides, he is a FB anyway.”
Well…poop.
Bucs signed a FB anyway, lol.
April 29th, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Every year we have 1 or 2 free agents make the team. Who will they be and who will be out??
April 29th, 2018 at 12:34 pm
TheBucsAnthem Says:
April 29th, 2018 at 12:04 pm
…………Sims does have great hand
…..but he also has a goofy running style like michael Pittman did
———————————-
Yeah but at least Pittman hit the OL gaps hard. Twinkletoes Sims would rather dance around it.
April 29th, 2018 at 12:35 pm
Sims will play a role this year. Potentially a substantial one if he can stay healthy.
April 29th, 2018 at 12:36 pm
We really need to start doing like Belicheat, playing the right running backs for the opponent we are playing against. After selecting some of their RB’s for my fantasy league in the past, I learned that their backs can have a HUGE game against one opponent and then not see a snap against another. I doubt Koetter will do that, but it would be smart to look into matchups and select the right backs for that game.
April 29th, 2018 at 12:44 pm
@Joe
How about an article on our un-drafted free agents signings. The running back from Duke sounds interesting. If he makes the team, we may not have a good football team this year but with all the high I.Q. players on this team, we could probably win at Jeopardy.
April 29th, 2018 at 12:47 pm
We did draft a FB. His name is Vita Vea. How awesome would that be to lead the goal line block for RoJo. #FireTheCannons
April 29th, 2018 at 12:51 pm
Rojo an Barber will be a great running back tandem speed an power an Sim is the pass catching veteran back who can teach Rojo how to be a pro quizz will be good depth incase of a injury he knows the offense an does pretty well when his number is called good RB room in tampa this year Really love the Rojo pick man is he fast
April 29th, 2018 at 12:58 pm
Joe why do you always put a negative spin on so many moves? Maybe after you’ve done your due diligence of getting Jason Licht run after the season you should throw your hat into the ring for the GM position. Because no-matter how Licht performs it seems you could of done better. So many fans take your lead and run with it. Yep, JL messed up, he should’ve drafted those punters you were clamoring for. Sorry, as a new reader I do see a pattern of backhanded negativity in a lot of your articles. Actually it seems to be a main theme with all the local media. Always reaching for the low hanging fruit. Criticism is good to a certain extent but the constant drum beat can be paralyzing. Just sayin’ Please don’t explode in dark italics?
April 29th, 2018 at 1:06 pm
It’s time for Sims to clear up the what have you done for the Bucs lately question. I expect to see him score at least one TD this upcoming season. Not a far stretch of imagination.
April 29th, 2018 at 1:09 pm
Sims can be a VERY AFFECTIVE….yeah I know the difference ‘Webster”….back to Sims…role player !
April 29th, 2018 at 1:10 pm
Shawn Wilson could beat out Quizz or Sims. He had 6 rushing TD’s of over 50 yards in his career, a Duke record and 2 KO returns for TD’s. 2nd in the ACC in all purpose yards. Had a 37″ vertical jump at 5’8″, which is impressive, 4.45 40.
April 29th, 2018 at 1:15 pm
Don’t count your chickens Joe I got a feeling the bugs are not done. No way they did this much to be a tough physical team and then not have a physical running back
April 29th, 2018 at 1:25 pm
Who is worried about a kick returner when 9 out of 10 NFL kickoffs go through the end zone?
April 29th, 2018 at 1:28 pm
Greg…Sims is a weapon….not sledge hammer…he has shown flashes…hopefully he can become a specialty weapon 2018-19 maybe a bit longer until someone can replace his trick….I’d like to think his many days sitting in the cold FA market only to resign with the Bucs has inspired him to excel when his number is called…he is no longer a 3rd round draft pick….he is a FA market discount can of dented beans
April 29th, 2018 at 1:32 pm
Justin Watson , 5th rd pick, will be given a shot as 5th receiver and kick returner- he played some running back and safety in college
April 29th, 2018 at 1:40 pm
I’m actually surprised they did not replace the running backs coach. Seems to me he was as bad as the defensive line coach.
April 29th, 2018 at 1:45 pm
Never really cared for Simms. Remember watching his highlights when we drafted him, every one he was caught from behind. Not a single highlight ended with a TD.
April 29th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
Hopefully we can finally use this slot receiver who can’t run routes as what he is. A kickoff returner and gadgets plays AND NOTHING ELSE. This guy cannot run the ball at all so he should never be the option over Jones, Barber, or Rodgers never!
April 29th, 2018 at 2:16 pm
Insurance policy. The bucs aren’t done trying to play him off the roster, at least 2 new credible threats to his job coming before the final 53 is set
April 29th, 2018 at 2:31 pm
Sims should be on the field when it’s 3 and long and an obvious passing situation. When it’s 3 and 1 or 2 when a run/pass option is available Sims should be no where in sight.
April 29th, 2018 at 3:08 pm
I am unable to find the terms of Sims’ one year deal. If anyone knows please let us know….It may not have a guarantee.
Sims is a good change of pace back and really good with screen passes…..I hope to see more 2 RB sets……I hate using a FB instead of the 2nd RB because it usually tips off a run…..At least lets get a FB that can catch the ball…..Cross was able to do that…..I think one year we threw the ball to Lane only one time all year.
April 29th, 2018 at 3:30 pm
RONALD JONES II IS THE #1 BACK
SIMMS IS THE #1 3RD DOWN BACK
I like Peyton Barber but he’s a backup … he’s nowhere near the talent Ronald Jones II is!
April 29th, 2018 at 3:38 pm
I think Coach Koetter has already shown how he treats rookies, they have to earn their time on the field, see A.S.J. for example. Once Jones learns the playbook and puts in the work, depending on how well he does will determine if he moves up the depth chart and how much playing time he gets.
April 29th, 2018 at 4:41 pm
Sims is not a better third down back than Jones now. Being said, Koetter really, really likes Sims. My name for Sims is 70percent, he only gets 70 percent of what he should on every play. As far as kick/punt returner, Shawn Wilson has the opportunity to earn that spot. He is a boom or bust type of an UDFA. The Bucs are due to catch a break on an UDFA RB. Maybe Wilson is that guy. I actually really like the UDFA class this season. I could see 3 making the final 53 and a couple of practice squad guys.
April 29th, 2018 at 4:42 pm
Sims is one of the best 3rd down backs in the game and might just have the best hands of any runningback in the NFL – it’s good to have him back. With Jones coming in, being kind of delicate and not having good hands, it’s good to have Sims around. Now if Dirk will use Sims like he did down the stretch instead of wasting him like he did early in the year, Sims will be quite the value.
April 29th, 2018 at 4:50 pm
NFLNut – Jones will be the primary back until he proves he can catch the ball, and if he can, and he can stay healthy – two big if’s – he’ll get even more carries. But with a guy who is considered delicate it’s not the worst thing to make him primarily a 2-down back for now. If Dirk sticks to a running game, something he hasn’t done since Lovie was here and forced him to run the ball, then that combo of Jones + Sims should work perfectly. Martin and Sims were the top duo in football under Lovie and Dirk, but Dirk on his own gives up on the running game way too early most weeks and manages to be completely predictable way too often (for example running the ball on every first down, then coming out in shotgun on first down instead of using a play action pass to try to catch the defense off guard).
With Marpet moving back to guard, getting a real NFL center at center (hopefully he’s real, he only started one year), and perhaps getting Sweezy healthy – or longshot, getting the D2 kid in there right away, the line should be better, and that will help a ton as they were absolutely awful blocking for Martin.
Overall there’s plenty of talent there, now Dirk needs to do his job.
April 29th, 2018 at 5:20 pm
I vote for the banana. The rest of them can’t do much
April 29th, 2018 at 5:20 pm
I understand that Sims wasn’t worth a third round pick….but now that we probably have him for the league minimum, I think he is certainly worth that.
We need at least 4 RBs and Sims fills a need….I like him in a 2 back set and I like him on third and long….I love his screen pass YAC and he is very talented if used properly…
The draft pick on him has been spent….quit crying over it and enjoy him as a contributing Buc player….he knows the system and is worthy.
April 29th, 2018 at 5:32 pm
If Jones doesn’t pick up pass pro quickly and effectively, he will be doing a lot of watching Rogers, Sims and Barber. Dirk simply won’t play him if he’s a liability and poised to get Jameis killed.
April 29th, 2018 at 7:41 pm
What a bunch of nattering Nancy’s…
April 30th, 2018 at 12:56 am
Everybody hates on Charles sims but the funny this is he can do it all and was the only back on our team that can make a sick jump cut and break a long play for a while obv not anymore with all the weapons we got but chuck sims is one of the best 3d down backs in the league when used right and healthy he’s literally proven that rojo and barber splitting some carried rojo more tho then sims on 3d with rojo getting some 3d down looks as well