David Sims, a strong safety from Iowa State, took a long road to the contract he recently signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. Much of the baggage he accumulated along the way is likely the reason why the 5-foot-9, 204-pound safety went undrafted.
After a year at Butte Community College Sims enrolled at Oklahoma. He never played for the Sooners, though, due to academic issues and transferred to Iowa State in 2009. Sims was arrested during the summer of 2010 after being charged with unauthorized use of a credit card. Due to the incident, Sims was suspended for Iowa State's season opener.
On the field, Sims played in Saw action in 11 games, made 96 tackles and forced three fumbles, recovering one. He had one interception as a senior and six in his caree. He also has extensive experience returning kickoffs.
Wes Bunting of the National Football Post had this to say about Sims in a pre-draft profile:
Has a good skill set, can really tackle and his running back background helps him change directions and remain balanced in the pass game. Does have some character concerns, but has the ability to make a roster and should end up fighting for playing time if he can keep his nose clean and improve his ball skills.
Fantasy Football Toolbox offered this assessment:
Sims is a strong player, despite his relatively diminutive 5-9 stature. He can lay out some huge hits and always seems to be around the ball. When his head is in the game, Sims can make a big impact. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
CBS Sports said Sims has "a lot of baggage for an NFL team to take on, especially for a safety who spent his FBS days in a five-defensive-back system that limited his responsibilities. Still, he has a knack for finding the football and offers some versatility as a return man. ... he'll have to stay out of trouble if he wants to make an NFL roster."
Your thoughts, Giants fans?