What should expectations be for Redskins WR Steven Sims Jr.?

Steven Sims Jr. was a pleasant surprise for the Redskins as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2019, but will he continue his development in Year 2?

Kansas product Steven Sims Jr. entered the NFL in relative obscurity, as an NFL Draft free agent tasked with proving his mettle over the course of one crucial offseason. He was able to do so to the Washington Redskins, making the initial 53-man roster, and by the end of the 2019 season, he wasn’t simply a depth player, but a dynamic contributor on the offensive side of the ball.

Sims ended the 2019 campaign with very good marks for an undrafted free agent, finding a role as a shifty, versatile weapon. He ended up accumulating 310 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 34 catches, as well as 85 rushing yards and a touchdown on nine carries. He also had success as a kick returner, amassing 819 return yards and a touchdown on 32 tries.

What makes Sims’ success appear even more favorable is the fact that 20 receptions, 230 yards, and all four of his receiving touchdowns came in the final four games of the season. Sims’ best play came down stretch, and in a vacuum, that fact spawns optimism for the 2020 season.

That being said, there are some newly-integrated factors that somewhat cloud Sims’ outlook for the 2020 season. Sims should be a roster lock regardless, as he displayed growth last season, and clearly has the dynamic ability to be a valuable weapon for Dwayne Haskins. Ron Rivera has spoken on the importance of having weapons for Haskins, and Sims has displayed his value there, showing both individual ability and chemistry with Haskins.

But the Redskins also drafted two players who could factor into the receiver situation, and have a number of young depth players who have the athletic upside to potentially leapfrog Sims. Additionally, there’s been talk that Antonio Gibson could be the team’s kick returner, potentially phasing Sims out of that role as well. Would such a move be due to a more permanent move into the slot for Sims, or due to a lack of confidence in Sims’ long-term upside?

Sims’ athletic numbers weren’t great heading into last offseason, which is perhaps why so many initially slept on him as a potential roster sleeper. But Sims went on to show that on-field speed doesn’t always match up with the numbers, and that he’s a very dynamic player in his own right. He displayed some positional versatility on offense, something Scott Turner clearly values, so it’s likely that the Redskins will have a role for Sims. The only question — is what role?

As is often the case, that’s a question only time can answer. But Sims showed legitimate promise as a multifaceted slot receiver in his rookie season, and should be given a chance to expand on that.