Cleveland Browns: Final 7-Round 2018 mock draft (Vol. 7)
By Peter Smith
Round 5 (Via GB): Christian Sam, LB, Arizona State – 6-1 244 lbs
- Production: 154 solo tackles (13.2 percent), 16 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and 3 pass deflections in 2015 and 2017 (missed 2016 to injury)
Age: 21 years old (Born Jun. 2, 1996)
40 Yard Dash: 4.75s (4.73s at Pro Day)
Broad Jump: 9’6″
Vertical: 32″
3-Cone: 7.03s
Shuttle: 4.25s (4.2s at Pro Day)
Bench: 28 reps
The Browns could use some linebacker depth and this class is absolutely stacked. Christian Sam is a tackling machine with good athleticism for the position. Teams will have to evaluate what his foot, which caused him to miss the 2016 season, but there’s a lot to like about his game.
The most obvious part is he just gets to the ball and even when watching players on opposing teams, it’s difficult not to notice how often he’s the one making the tackles. Evaluating his athletic profile, it’s eerily similar to the linebacker the Browns just sent to the Pro Bowl as an alternate in Joe Schobert.
Schobert played more of an edge role with some true linebacker looks mixed in while Sam has been a true linebacker since he arrived in Tempe. He is young and can learn behind Schobert, Chris Kirksey and Jamie Collins. His best position is probably at the MIKE but he looks the part of someone who could play SAM as well. Sam is just a good linebacker that can add to a position of strength and protect them from injuries and play special teams. If they want someone who is a little lighter on their feet and rangier, Oren Burks from Vanderbilt might fill the bill.