Christian Sam NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for New England Patriots' Pick

POSITIVES

—Excellent size and thickness to play the run as a gap-shooting linebacker.

—Can stay on the field on third down with the hips to open up and run in coverage.

—Above-average explosiveness and change-of-direction ability.

—Solid tackler who can wrap and control in space.

—Coverage instincts are strong with awareness to break on passes.

NEGATIVES

—Missed essentially all of 2016 with foot injury.

—Inconsistency is maddening and leads to concerns about his hustle.

—Avoids blocks with athleticism and loses leverage to boundary.

—Diagnose skills look underdeveloped and will need consistent tape study in NFL.

—Doesn't stack out and redirect with the efficiency of better linebackers in this class.

OVERALL

Christian Sam has a NFL-ready frame and the combination of skills that will make him a valuable three-down linebacker at the next level. Inconsistency in effort on film is a major concern and will hold him back as a rookie. He's certainly worth a roster spot to develop as a versatile backup, but the routine plays have to be no-brainers for starters in the NFL—and that's not the case yet with Sam.

GRADE: 5.69 (Round 5-6)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Stephone Anthony, Miami Dolphins