Michael Sam Question

[garyv]

I was curious since I have only seen clips of Michael Sam but since I read hes around 6'2" and 261 pounds could he play MLB if needed ? not even sure thats an option.

 

[ZappaFrank]

He practice as OLB for the senior bowl and all the reports said he wasnt good enough in space to do it.

 

[adamknite]

From the few things I've seen of him, I don't think he'd be good as a LB. He plays like a lineman if that makes sense. To me it doesn't look like he has that range you want from a LB, but I'm no scout so that's just from what I've personally witnessed.

 

[garyv]

I guess I had read his range wasn't great so I figured OLB probably not going to happen but was thinking MLB might be an option. The guy is such a terrific Pass Rusher and can create havic was trying to think how can he really help our Defense.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

If he is not good in space (scout evals) then LB is out. I guess it is also the reason they say he is limited in STs as well.

I keep hearing he is strictly an upfield player for now.

 

[Crad|e]

if Sam doesn't make the 53 roster and become a starter.. I have to seriously start to doubt our front office,

 

[CATCH17]

He's a situational pass rusher.

If he wants to evolve into more he is going to have to do it on Special Teams. Not MLB.

 

[Joe Realist]

He needs to gain 10-15 pounds and be a pass rush specialist

 

[CCBoy]

I guess I had read his range wasn't great so I figured OLB probably not going to happen but was thinking MLB might be an option. The guy is such a terrific Pass Rusher and can create havic was trying to think how can he really help our Defense.

All three linebackers have to pass protect...and he's not fast enough.

 

[coach steele]

He needs to gain 10-15 pounds and be a pass rush specialist

How do you get that. He weighs more than our 2nd round pick does. Who knows if he can play? But I don't think weight is a limiting factor.

 

[Cumart21]

if Sam doesn't make the 53 roster and become a starter.. I have to seriously start to doubt our front office,

Care to expand on that?

 

[TheCount]

He needs to gain 10-15 pounds and be a pass rush specialist

265 is fine for a pass rusher, why would he need to be 280?

 

[big dog cowboy]

265 is fine for a pass rusher, why would he need to be 280?

Charles Haley 6-5 255.

 

[speedkilz88]

Charles Haley 6-5 255.

Charles Haley was not a strong side DE.

 

[TheFinisher]

I guess I had read his range wasn't great so I figured OLB probably not going to happen but was thinking MLB might be an option. The guy is such a terrific Pass Rusher and can create havic was trying to think how can he really help our Defense.

Mike has to cover too much ground in our scheme for him to work there. The guys an edge rusher, keep him there and see what he has.

 

[scottsp]

Physical attributes are just one part of it. A guy like Haley was able to master the leverage end of pass rushing. And that's probably the most important part.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Charles Haley was not a strong side DE.

Didn't say he was. The post I responsed to just said "pass rusher" that's all.

 

[speedkilz88]

Didn't say he was. The post I responsed to just said "pass rusher" that's all.

OK, but people still aren't getting it that Sam is a strong side guy. He also played at 257 for the Rams, not the 261 being thrown around from the combine. And from what the scouts say, his build is more of a LB but he doesn't have the skills for that position.

 

[jterrell]

He could probably play ILB in a 3-4 set.

He lacks agility and any punch right now.
He'd need to get stronger and use to lateral movement.

Probably no need to do that as he has NFL ability imho as a DE.
He could either gain a bit of weight and strength then play SDE or he could focus on technique and quickness but play RDE.
Either way he has a pass rush motor and ability he just isn't refined.

 

[LandryFan]

Care to expand on that?

I, too, am interested in hearing the rationale behind that statement.