Pat Sims News

Last season: 9-4 Bowl: Beat Clemson 23-20 in overtime in the Chick-fil-A Bowl Starters returning: 8 offense, 7 defense Why Auburn is No.

Defensive line coach Don Dunn says Mike Blanc is making a move on the Auburn practice field these days.

Can he be counted on to throw the football? It's a legitimate concern considering Burns, a former Northside standout, will run a spread offense that emphasizes the pass much more than usual at Auburn.

Anyone that's seen or reported on Rudi Johnson, comes to the same conclusion: Rudi is changed, and much, much better.

The Bengals signed five draft choices Sunday as players reported to training camp at Georgetown College.

Coach: Tommy Tuberville . Staff In 2007: 9-4 overall, 5-3 in the SEC . Highlights Returning starters: Offense-8. Defense-6. Special teams-2 Depth Chart Key losses: Offense-TE Cole Bennett, QB Brandon Cox.

“There will be harder practices as we get closer to the grind. This is a learning process more than anything.”

With No. 1 pick Keith Rivers smoothly making the transition to his college position of outside linebacker and third-round pick Pat Sims practicing like it is a SEC Saturday in the trenches at defensive tackle, ... via Cincinati Bengals

“The thing I like about Pat is he has worked extremely hard”

YBS: Cinco de Mayo at El Meson Cinco de Mayo on Webster St. More... Cincinnati Bengals Big tackles eager to please Sunday, May 04, 2008 CINCINNATI - Pat Sims is big . via Dayton Daily News

Safety Eric Brock became the fourth former Auburn player to go the free agent route to the NFL since last weekend's draft. via Anniston Star

Defensive tackle Pat Sims, out of Auburn, is the Bengals third round pick in the NFL Draft on Sunday. via 700WLW Cincinnati

Defensive tackle Pat Sims led in-state players selected on the second day of the NFL draft, continuing a run on former Auburn defenders. via NBC13.com

The Cincinnati Bengals chose Florida's Andre Caldwell in the third round of today's NFL draft, giving themselves two receivers in their first four picks. via WTXL

Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin is headed to the Buffalo Bills. The Bills made McKelvin the 11th overall pick of the NFL draft's first round Saturday. via WIAT-TV Birmingham

“I've been through a lot of tests and interviews, but they are no different than applying for any job.”

Auburn defensive tackle Pat Sims goes into Saturday's NFL Draft rated as a possible first-day selection, but he isn't sure that he would be in that position if he hadn't given up football in 2005.

Sims, a Dillard graduate, was dealing with the loss of his sister, who died of a heart attack. He also wasn't satisfied with his playing time.

'I needed time to get myself together,' Sims said. 'I was only 18 when my sister, Vonda, passed away, and we were very close. I was also upset with my situation. I considered transferring.' Read more

All the tools to become effective pass rusher in 4-3. ANALYSIS This year's crop of DEs is strong because of the infusion of juniors, but the DT talent has little depth past the top three prospects. via South Florida Sun-Sentinel

20. Jeremy Thompson, Wake Forest: He has everything you want - except urgency in his play. 21. Dre' Moore, Maryland: DT has the tools but doesn't always use them. 22. Ken Iwebema, Iowa: DE has power and athletic ability, but his motor runs hot and cold. 23. Pat Sims, Auburn: He has second-round talent, but character issues could prevent the DT from being taken that high. 24. Johnny Dingle, West Virginia: Overachieving DE does not have great athletic ability. 25. Titus Brown, Mississippi State: A hybrid DE/LB who could be a designated pass rusher. 26. Tommy Blake, Texas Christian: He has elite talent but might face off-the-field questions. 27. Curtis Gatewood, Vanderbilt: DE has the size and toughness but maybe not the athletic ability. 28. Chris Harrington, Texas A & M: Tall pass rusher with a good motor. 29. DeMario Pressley, North Carolina State: Inside pass rusher has power but lacks consistency. 30. Carlton Powell, Virginia Tech: Size and strength are his best attributes. via Chicago Tribune

Hey guys back from vacation and tennis coverage at Key Biscayne. I'm sure Omar the blogmeiser has kept you informed. via Miami Dolphins

“I've got to get in football shape. It's coming along.”

It didn't take long for Zach Clayton to realize this spring could be a big one for him. via Opelika-Auburn News

“Where do I go from here? I just pray I get drafted as high as possible.”

Moments after Quentin Groves had sweated and panted though a rigorous series of drills designed to test his mettle as a linebacker, another equally arduous test was waiting. via The Birmingham News

“It's just a piece of the puzzle”

As former Auburn players went through a grueling series of tests and drills, Mike Tomlin watched closely. via Redstone Rocket