NFL Team Official: Michael Sam Is ‘Not A Really Good Athlete’

[R8RFAN]

ST. LOUIS (CBS St. Louis) — It could be a very long weekend for Michael Sam.
The openly gay football player from the University of Missouri is hoping an NFL team takes a chance and makes history by drafting him, but some experts believe he might end up being an undrafted free agent.
Scouts told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that they don’t see Sam’s game transitioning to the NFL.
“Most of his production was hustle stuff,” an NFC personnel official told the Journal Sentinel. “There’s production, but he’s short, he’s not a really good athlete and he doesn’t play good against the run.”
He continued: “He’s kind of a one-task pass rusher. Just run up the field. And they swallow him up and kind of push him around.”
One NFC personnel director stated that Sam doesn’t have a position in the league.
“He’s not a linebacker, and he’s really not a defensive end,” the personnel director told the Journal Sentinel. “I’d certainly take him to camp. You’ve got to admire how hard he plays.”
An AFC executive said Sam was “short and slow.” Sam stands at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 262 pounds.
Despite the potential setbacks, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is hoping to see Sam succeed in the league.
“I want to see Michael Sam get an opportunity to play in the NFL,” Goodell told ESPN Thursday before the first round of the NFL Draft. “We like to say the NFL is the ultimate meritocracy. If you can play football, they want to see you play. The teams want you. The fans want you. And that’s ultimately what it’s all about.”
Goodell continued: “I have great respect for Michael, his courage, his decision to become public, and I’m optimistic that he’s going to get that opportunity, and hopefully he can play at this level.”
Sam, who was the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year, will be the first openly active gay player in the league.
http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2014/05/...-good-athlete/

[Eleazar]

I pretty much agree with the OP. Sam was a fine player for us, but he's not the kind of guy who strikes you as an NFL level great pass rusher. He isn't all that fast, he seems to possess instincts and be an effort player above all else. He's probably a special teams or situational player at the next level. But good luck to him all the same.

[R8RFAN]

I just want to know if the guy is worthy of his pick or is there now affirmative action for gay people in America.

[Rudy tossed tigger's salad]

I watch internet porn. I don't think two gay guys kissing is going to traumatize me.

[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by 3rd&48ers

I just want to know if the guy is worthy of his pick or is there now affirmative action for gay people in America.

I hope you get the rest of them

[Sully]

Originally Posted by 3rd&48ers

I just want to know if the guy is worthy of his pick or is there now affirmative action for gay people in America.

Who knows.
It was essentially an 8th round pick, so it's really a crap shoot at that point. At one point, he was thought to be 3rd-5th round talent until people realized how slow and weak he was.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by Sully

Who knows.
It was essentially an 8th round pick, so it's really a crap shoot at that point. At one point, he was thought to be 3rd-5th round talent until people realized how slow and weak he was.

And that he ran like a girl... He did at the combine anyway.

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by 3rd&48ers

I just want to know if the guy is worthy of his pick or is there now affirmative action for gay people in America.

Picking a gay guy in the 7th round is pretty safe. That's where most gay guys get picked.
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