RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Christian Sam (Arizona St.) - 2018 NFL Draft Pick #178 by NE

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Christian Sam - 2018 NFL Draft

Position: Linebacker

College: Arizona State University

Player Overview

Christian Sam was a standout linebacker at Arizona State, known for his athleticism and playmaking ability. He played a pivotal role in the Sun Devils' defense, showcasing his skills as both a run stopper and a pass defender.

Strengths

  • Physicality: Sam is a physical player who attacks the line of scrimmage with aggression.
  • Versatility: Can play multiple linebacker positions and is effective in various defensive schemes.
  • Football IQ: Displays a strong understanding of offensive schemes, allowing him to read plays effectively.
  • Range: Has good lateral movement and can cover a lot of ground, making him effective in pass coverage.
  • Motor: Consistently shows high effort on every play, which is crucial for a linebacker.

Weaknesses

  • Injury Concerns: Has had some injury issues during his college career that may raise red flags for teams.
  • Size: While athletic, he may lack the ideal size that some teams prefer in a linebacker.
  • Consistency: Needs to improve on maintaining consistent performance throughout games.

Overall Assessment

Christian Sam was viewed as a solid linebacker prospect heading into the 2018 NFL Draft. His combination of athleticism, football intelligence, and versatility made him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their defensive units. While there were concerns regarding injuries and size, many believed he could develop into a reliable contributor at the next level.

Draft Projection

Sam was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the draft, with the potential to contribute immediately on special teams and develop into a starting linebacker within a few seasons.