New England Stashed Versatile Linebacker On Roster

The New England Patriots are not spending their offseason resting. The Super Bowl champions could really avoid in-season injuries, but lost over 50 percent of their 2018 NFL Draft class due to injuries before the beginning of the game. Linebacker and sixth-round pick Christian Sam was one of the rookie players who ended up on injured reserve before Week 1.

The linebacker was active in three preseason games, but missed the Patriots’ final exhibition game. He ended up on season-ending injured reserve and had a surgery on an undisclosed ailment.

The 240-pound linebacker had 12 tackles and an interception in his three preseason games. Sam registered four defensive “stops,” as reported by Pro Football Focus. He managed to let up seven catches on nine targets for 38 yards and an interception.

When it comes to his game at Arizona State, Sam owned one of the highest run-stop rates when compared to other draft-eligible players in 2018. He made 46 run stops on 365 snaps. But, he did miss 13 tackles. Sam had three sacks, one quarterback hit and four hurries on just 53 pass-rush snaps.

The linebacker was not really great during pre-draft testing,  running a 4.73-second 40-yard dash, 1.63-second 10-yard split, 7.03-second 3-cone drill, 4.20-second short shuttle, 32-inch vertical leap, 9-foot, 6-inch broad jump and 28 bench-press reps of 225 pounds. However, he was able to cover both tight ends and running backs.

The linebacker will compete for a spot on the roster

There is a bunch of rookies and free agents who will be making their way to Foxboro in 2019. Sam will have to compete for an empty spot on the roster. Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Brandon King are under contract next year. Linebackers Ramon Humber and Albert McClellan will be free agents. The Patriots can part ways with Hightower, but trading him will give them $5.9 million in cap space.

Sam will have to stay healthy this season and prove he is good to work with special teams.