New England Patriots Seven Round Mock Draft 4.0

Feb 24, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Missouri Tigers Michael Sam runs through drills during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Round Five, Pick 158 (Via Cowboys): Michael Sam (DE/OLB Missouri)

Alright, time for a controversial pick! We all know about the Michael Sam story at this point, because ESPN has done such a nice job of constantly reminding us about him. He’s not the greatest prospect, the strongest, most explosive is even the most ready, but he does have some football talent, and a great mental makeup in my opinion. In a sport that’s so masculine, it does say something about one’s character that they could come out, knowing it could affect their draft stock so severely. But on the football side of things, Sam could fit in nicely as a outside linebacker, seeing as he’s a bit undersized to play a 4-3 defensive end. He’d be a more pass rush designated player, and wouldn’t ever become an every down back, but he’s definitely a potential contributor, and that’s the kind of player that you look for in these middle to later rounds.

Other Options: ILB Preston Brown, OLB Adrian Hubbard