NFL Scouts View Michael Sam as a 7th Round Pick
Missouri defensive end Michael Sam is trying to become the NFL’s first openly gay player. It’s not crazy to think it might not ever happen.
Per the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Michael Sam is viewed by most NFL scouts as a seventh round prospect, while he’s graded even lower by many. Specifically, a poll conducted by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel had 15 of 21 scouts labeling Sam as a seventh round or undrafted prospect. Three scouts reportedly said they’d take Sam in round seven if he were still available, five said they’d consider signing him after the draft as a free agent, while seven said they’d have no interest in signing him at all.
Sam has gained popularity for coming out as gay, but scouts seem to be suggesting his name is bigger than his talent at this point in the scouting process. Sam was without a doubt a quality college football player, displaying a solid ability to get after the quarterback, while being named the SEC co-Defensive Player of the Year.
Earning that award in college football’s toughest conference is no easy task, but due to a lack of size and athleticism, scouts are worried Sam doesn’t have a true position at the next level.
“He’s not a linebacker, and he’s really not a defensive end,” said an NFC personnel director.
An AFC executive furthered the sentiment, saying,”It’s a tough fit when you’re short and slow and a try-hard overachiever. That’s the issue.”
Viewed as more of a high-energy, hustle player, scouts don’t see Sam’s skill-set projecting to the next level due to average speed and size.
Schematically, Sam doesn’t appear to have the size or strength to consistently win with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end of a 4-3. If a team drafted him to play defensive end, it’s likely he’d never end up being much more than a rotational piece. Even then, scouts aren’t sold that he’d be an overly effective one.
For a 3-4 system, Sam would be forced to play out of position when it comes to coverage. His lack of short area burst and range would limit his ability in pass coverage, while his average closing speed and explosiveness could give him troubles as an edge rusher, as well.
Sam isn’t a bad player, but it appears he’s one of those college football players that just might not translate to the next level. However, scouts openly admire his heart and work ethic, so betting against Sam might not be the best idea.
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