XAEA12 Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 Hearing about Michael Sam made me do a little reading up. I noticed that Sam was SEC defensive player of the year, and the first question I asked is, "Why is the SEC defensive player of the year a late round draft projection?" and I noticed that Kony Ealy, his teammate who plays DE opposite him, is projected as the 2nd highest rated DE coming out. I looked at their stats and they are very similar, except with Sam's numbers being slightly better. So, what's the deal (from someone who actually watched them play)? Was Ealy double teamed more? is he just the more athletic prospect? I'm just curious, but would really like feedback from someone who actually watched the games, not just a regurgitation of other people on the internet's opinion. Is there really a big difference in ability and/or potential between the two? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE_TITAN Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 Sam is a tweener prospect, has no real position. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
volntitan Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 I haven't watched a ton of Mizzou games, but I think Sam's size is what is keeping him from projected higher. I think he is a big motor guy while Ealy has all the physical tools. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
XAEA12 Posted February 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 So, basically what I gather from the article is that Ealy finished the season stronger while Sam started the season stronger. Ealy (apparently) gets more attention from defenses. Ealy also is heavier at 275 v.s 260 for Ealy. It's amazing how such small differences can make a huge difference in draft position. No wonder the draft is such a crap shoot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 I will bet anyone that the Redskins will draft Sam as a way to mitigate the political incorrectness of their team name. Just watch. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiscotitansfan Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 Sam is a tweener prospect, has no real position. I understand the latter part of your statement but wouldn't him being a tweener be good for being a 3-4 OLB or is he too much like a small DE and not extremely athletic enough where OLB isn't really an option? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLocker10 Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 Sam struggled during Sr. Bowl week practices Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE_TITAN Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 I understand the latter part of your statement but wouldn't him being a tweener be good for being a 3-4 OLB or is he too much like a small DE and not extremely athletic enough where OLB isn't really an option? Doesnt have the length to be a full-time 4-3 DE, his hips are atrocious so no on the OLB. He got moved back to lineman drills in the Senior Bowl because he was so lost at linebacker. He is like a 5th round type guy for me that might turn out to be a Klug type of guy that just has a knack of pass-rushing but plays rarely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nash Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 Sam's running style looked exremely tight in the hips on the video I've seen.. not sure he's flexible enough to be an OLB Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLocker10 Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 Doesnt have the length to be a full-time 4-3 DE, his hips are atrocious so no on the OLB. He got moved back to lineman drills in the Senior Bowl because he was so lost at linebacker. He is like a 5th round type guy for me that might turn out to be a Klug type of guy that just has a knack of pass-rushing but plays rarely. Someone on Roto compared him to Larry English. That's not a compliment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Btowner Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 A guest on the local sports radio show mentioned that although Sam had 11.5 sacks, 9 came against Vanderbilt, South Carolina, and Florida. So he didn't consistently dominate at the college level and maybe a 3rd to 5th round pickup. Until this weekend, I never heard of the guy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chef Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 Great player in college. Cannot be denied. Would fit best as a situational rusher as a 4-3 DE. Might be like drafting Kamerion Wimbley minus his ability to sorta play OLB in a 3-4 (ouch) That said, Sam can get to the QB, and played the run fairly well too (except against Auburn - ugly). Really needs to find the right team to fit. Having Ealy need to him this year and Sheldon Richardson last year didn't hurt him, but he did more than merely pick up the table scraps. Has potential to be a steal if he falls far enough, but there are question marks in at the Rd 3 level. Of note, Nick Saban has had high praise for the Mizzou line this season, and singled out him and Ealy specifically. Not his style to blow smoke for kicks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 I never saw a game but he's 6'2 255 which means he needs to find a new position. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
volntitan Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 Bigger than Dumerville Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chef Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 Bigger than Dumerville Elvis is more athletic. Better burst, better round the corner, better hips. Also really uses his size to his advantage on leverage and dips. Hard to describe the difference, but Sam isn't Dumervil. Still worth a shot for a 4-3 team, or a hybrid one where he can primarily end up as a pass rushing OLB only when in 3-4. Would be badly exposed in coverage. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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