Sims top hopeful for Iowa State in draft this week

Eric Petersen

Apr. 27, 2011 7:42 pm

Sims top hopeful for Iowa State in draft this week

AMES – The start to this year's NFL Draft won't include any names from Iowa State.

But come Saturday, there could be a handful of Cyclones hearing their names called in the later rounds and a few more signing free agents deals once the seven-round draft is finished. ISU has a half-dozen or so pro prospects, including local products Ben Lamaak (Kennedy H.S.) and Mike O'Connell (I.C. Regina).

Tight end Collin Franklin and defensive back David Sims have the best chance of being selected.

Sims didn't want the pressure of a draft party with family and friends back in California. He'll spend the weekend in his Ames apartment.

“I've heard different talk of what round I'm going in and such,” Sims said. “I think I've worked hard enough to get drafted. I'm just anxious to know. Hopefully I'll know in two days but if its three I'll be fine with that.”

Sims was at the Combine in February and participated in ISU's Pro Day last month.

He's been hearing from several teams the last couple weeks. The Houston Texans got in touch with him Wednesday morning.

“I've been getting calls from teams asking me all kinds of questing and telling me they've got me on their radar,” said Sims, who also has touted his kick returning skills.

Franklin is hoping to become the third Cyclone tight end drafted in the last 20 years, and the first since Mike Banks was taken by Arizona in the seventh round of the 2002 draft.

The 6-5, 255-pounder stood out for scouts on Pro Day, bench pressing 225 pounds 28 times and broad jumping 10 feet, 4 inches. Those measurables stack up with some of the top tight ends available.

As a senior, Franklin had 54 catches – second-most nationally among tight ends – for 530 yards and three touchdowns.

Lamaak is being projected as a possible late-round pick. He would be the second ISU center drafted in as many years. Reggie Stephens was taken by Cincinnati in the seventh round last April.

O'Connell, tailback Alexander Robinson and quarterback Austen Arnaud are likely free-agent pickups. All but Arnaud, who is recovering from knee surgery, participated in ISU's Pro Day.

Sims isn't letting the NFL's labor issues affect him.

Players currently aren't allowed to visit or train at their team's facilities.

“I'll just stick around here and keep working,” Sims said. “Whenever (my team) calls I'll be ready.”

Other Draft Hopefuls:

DAVID SIMS

Safety, Iowa State

5-9, 203

Ourlads: A good safety, just a little bit undersized.