Via Bleacher Report on DE Michael Sam’s combine results:
Sam’s drill performances and athletic times were a mixed bag, as the former Missouri standout finished about average among defensive ends. [. . .]
Gil Brandt of NFL.com makes a strong point about Sam based off his performance in Indy: “Going into the conbine I thought Michael Sam was a man w/out a position in NFL. His 4.91 today might have confirmed it. #NFLCombine.”
Teams expecting to see a guaranteed superstar in the making were probably disappointed. But for those hoping for splits that put Sam well within the “draftable” range, there is little reason to feel he’s fallen off any draft boards. [. . .]
The number that sticks out most, arguably, is Sam’s disappointing performance in the bench press. Those concerned about his strength aren’t going to walk away assuaged. Sam’s total of 17 reps at 225 pounds was one of the lowest figures among defensive linemen, better than only UCLA’s Cassius Marsh.
For comparison purposes, let’s take a look at how the top offensive line prospects did at the combine:
40-yard dash
1. Taylor Lewan (Michigan) – 4.87
2. Greg Robinson (Auburn) – 4.92
3. Trai Turner (LSU) – 4.93
t-4. Joel Bitonio (Nevada) – 4.97
t-4. Matt Patchan (Boston College) – 4.97
Bench press
1. Russell Bodine (North Carolina) – 42
t-2. Matt Feiler (Bloomsburg) – 36
t-2. Tyler Larsen (Utah State) – 36
t-2. Corey Linsley (Ohio State) – 36
t-2. Antonio Richardson (Tennessee) – 36
You can’t be a star defensive end in the NFL is you’re not faster or stronger than the offensive line.
Sam will be lucky to be drafted with these numbers.