Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft: Dallas trades back, collects Earl Thomas
By Reid Hanson
Christian Sam, LB, Arizona State
I value linebackers quite a bit but I’m hesitant to move Jaylon Smith to a part-time role at SAM and I’m more hesitant to draft a backup linebacker in the first couple rounds. Cichy in the fourth round has the potential to be a major steal at WILL and Christian Sam figured to be a reliable piece to help Jaylon handle the middle as a MIKE.
Sam, 6’2” 237 lbs, has the size you look for in an NFL linebacker. He’s projected as a MIKE but seems to also have the ability to play WILL in a jam. Sam is a player who looks great on tape but his pedestrian athletic test scores are causing him to fall.
The best part of Sam is his ability to play the pass. Usually you just find one-dimensional linebackers at this point in the draft. And typically that one dimension is run-stopping ability. Sam is well-rounded and can play man and zone coverage from the middle, as well as attack and pursue ball carriers.
Sam is best described as “just a guy” but one that doesn’t screw up. He’s not going to deliver much highlight material but he’s also not going to give up highlight plays to opponents. He’s a great candidate to be the next Anthony Hitchens on this roster and serve as a swing linebacker – capable of spot duty wherever and whenever needed.
The good news is, he’s polished enough to not need a ton of time or development, so he can claim a back-up job pretty quickly in the NFL career. I haven’t seen or read much about special teams ability but since discipline is a top trait on coverage teams, one could assume Sam could do well in that role.