Michael Sam may not be a first-round pick, but he’s still generating a buzz in draft conversations. Finally, it’s about his on-field talents.
According to former NFL scout Russell Lande, Sam “jumped off film” more than teammate Kony Ealy. Sam produced more than Ealy last season, totaling two more sacks, and was named the SEC co-Defensive Player of the Year. Ealy is XN Sports’ No. 2-rated defensive end.
4 games in I do not see the hype for Kony Ealy to be a high draft pick. Michael Sam jumped off film more in games evaluated.
— Russell Lande (@RUSSLANDE) March 5, 2014
Recently, NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks suggested Sam needed a strong outing at the Missouri Pro Day in order to improve his draft stock. Sam didn’t have the best of showings at the NFL Combine and Brooks questioned his on-the-field ability. At the Pro Day, Brooks said he needs to show NFL scouts more athleticism and explosiveness, and that “he has enough blue-chip qualities to merit consideration in the later rounds.”
There were whispers the Cincinnati Bengals would add a quarterback to the roster this offseason, whether it be in the form of a veteran to backup Andy Dalton or a promising rookie to push him a bit. It seems as if the Bengals may have a prospect in mind.
The Dayton Daily News believes Cincinnati has interest in former Georgia signal-caller Aaron Murray. Though he didn’t participate in the combine due to injury, he participated in the interview portion and spoke with multiple teams, including the Bengals.
Murray’s former teammate A.J. Green is the Bengals’ top wide receiver, and the report suggests the organization is high on Georgia players. There are seven former Bulldogs on Cincy’s roster, including Green and Geno Atkins.
The chances the Houston Texans take a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick is high, and the conversation usually centers around Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel, and Teddy Bridgewater. Of course, with Jadeveon Clowney available, nothing is decided just yet.
According to TFY Draft Insider, Texans coach Bill O’Brien attended Pittsburgh’s Pro Day to get a first-hand look at Tom Savage and requested the quarterback throw several routes at the end of the workout.
Houston Texas coach Bill O’Brien at Pittsburgh pro-day for QB Tom Savage…requested Savage throw specific routes at the end of workout…
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) March 3, 2014
The 6-foot-4, 228-pound Savage is widely considered a late-round selection and could be an option for Houston should they pass on the top-three quarterbacks at the top of the draft. He could also be option to be the team’s backup — even if the team goes with a quarterback at No. 1 — should O’Brien allow Matt Schaub to hit the open market and is not sold on Case Keenum being the backup.
