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New York Giants free agency 2017: Top 5 targets

By James Dudko

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive guard Ted Larsen (62) and Washington Redskins defensive end Chris Baker (92) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive guard Ted Larsen (62) and Washington Redskins defensive end Chris Baker (92) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 08: Dion Sims
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 08: Dion Sims /

2. Dion Sims, TE, Miami Dolphins

It’s sometimes amazing to think Eli Manning has thrown for over 48,000 yards, and done most of it without a prolific tight end. Sure, Jeremy Shockey and Martellus Bennett were around briefly, but Manning needs a regular clutch player over the middle he can count on.

Teams looking for a tight end this offseason won’t find a free agent with more upside than Dion Sims. Still just 26, Sims has elements of former NFL great Ben Coates about his game.

He’s 6’4″ and 271 pounds, yet boasts deceptive speed and move skills the Miami Dolphins never used enough. Sims can be flexed in the slot or split out wide to isolate mismatched coverage defenders.

A play-caller as imaginative as McAdoo ought to turn Sims into the dynamic weapon he’s destined to be. Manning’s going to need that kind of weapon in 2017.

The decision to dump Cruz may have surprised some, but the fast start to life in the pros enjoyed by Sterling Shepard made the king of the salsa redundant. Shepard has a flair for stretching the inside seams vertically.

However, Manning needs a short-range catch magnet who can win underneath. Enter Sims, who would be a steal for Big Blue in free agency.

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