ASU Football: Christian Sam drafted by New England Patriots
By Koki Riley
Former ASU football linebacker is heading to New England to join last seasons Super Bowl runner-ups.
With the 178th overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, Christian Sam has found a new home with the New England Patriots.
The Patriots headed into this year’s draft with needs throughout the front seven after falling short in Super Bowl 52 due to their defenses inability to make timely stops when needed.
New England had avoided drafting a defensive stopper up front until day three when they selected Ja’Whuan Bentley with the 143rd selection in the fifth round.
Sam will be joining a current linebacking core that was decimated by injuries a season ago as the team lost linebackers such as defensive captain Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy throughout the season.
Although Hightower and Van Noy head into 2018 now fully healthy, the Patriots linebacking core still needed more depth and stability heading into this years NFL draft especially after last years defensive collapse on the biggest stage in football.
A run-stuffing, downhill linebacker like Christian Sam who uses his speed to make plays may just be the perfect addition to the New England defense, and given the amount of injuries for the Patriots in the linebacking department over the years, there’s a good chance that the former Sun Devil sees playing time at linebacker as a rookie this season for New England.
Even if he doesn’t see much of the field as a linebacker this season for the Patriots, expect Sam to find a role on special teams for the Patriots given his speed and tackling ability in the open field.
Bill Belichick has always been known for valuing players who can make an impact on special teams as New England brought in elite kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson in the offseason.
Next: 2018 NFL Draft Profile: Linebacker Christian Sam
Sam will most likely not be the opening day starter for the Patriots in the linebacking core, but the former Sun Devil will likely have an impact for New England on either defense or special teams.