New England Patriots select Christian Sam with No. 178 pick in 2018 NFL Draft
With the 178th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Arizona State linebacker, Christian Sam.
The New England Patriots were on the clock with their first of three selections in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. To the surprise of many, New England actually held onto the pick.
With the No. 178 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected linebacker Christian Sam out of Arizona State. Sam is the fifth player selected by New England in the draft, and second linebacker that they added.
With the No. 143 pick, the Patriots selected linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley out of Purdue. Double dipping is not out of the ordinary for New England, but Bentley and Sam will fill different needs. While Bentley is a run stuffer, Sam offers a little more versatility.
Sam can play all three downs, as he has the capability to play some coverage. He is versatile enough to fill multiple spots on the second level of the defense, something the Patriots covet when scouting prospects.
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What knocked Sam down in the draft were his numbers at the NFL Combine. He was rather average across the board, lacking the wow factor on game tape according to an AFC personnel executive.
While his tape lacks excitement, his numbers at Arizona State have been good. Last season Sam had 127 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, one interception, one pass defended and one forced fumble.
It was a strong bounce-back season for Sam, who was injured his foot in the first game of the 2016 season. It was disappointing for Sam, who had a great sophomore season in 2015. He didn’t let the injury get him down, as he is now a member of one of the greatest franchises in any sport.
Sam’s instincts aren’t great, and he reportedly doesn’t love to practice. However, there were enough positives there for New England to pull the trigger on him near the top of the sixth round.
This selection should put the rest of the linebackers on the Patriots roster on notice. Two linebackers being picked means Bill Belichick and company could be looking to overhaul the position.
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It will be something to keep an eye on throughout the summer as the Patriots will have some roster battles brewer at linebacker.