Michael Sam has not yet shown the St. Louis Rams enough to warrant a roster spot.
So says the Rams' former vice president of player personnel.
Michael Sam thanks God that Tony Dungy doesn't work for the St. Louis Rams
Tony Softli, who now works as an analyst and as a writer at tonysoftli.com, told USA TODAY Sports that Sam, St. Louis' seventh-round draft pick who would become the NFL's first openly gay player, must exhibit skills beyond his value as a defensive end to make the final 53-man roster.
"Michael Sam has shown enough rushing the passer - and that's what he is, he's a DPR, he's a designated pass rusher - that he can get off and beat a tackle on the upfield shoulder. He can spin and come underneath," Softli told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday.
"He's got to prove he can do it on special teams, and I think that's going to be his (way) to make this team."
All initial reactions to Michael Sam's entrance into the NFL could have validity
According to USA TODAY Sports, Sam has participated in just nine special teams plays during the preseason and that Rams coach Jeff Fisher has said that few defensive ends contribute on special teams. He may get more opportunities Saturday when the Rams play the Cleveland Browns; the third preseason game usually is the game in which the starters and key contributors see most of their playing time on offense and defense.
That means those players likely won't play special teams, giving players on the bubble such as Sam a chance to make a lasting impression.
USA TODAY Sports added, however, that Ethan Westbrooks, an undrafted rookie from West Texas A&M, has entered preseason games for the Rams before Sam has during the first two weeks.
Still, Sam recorded his first sack when he took down Matt Flynn during the fourth quarter of the Rams' loss to the Green Bay Packers.
He also got a quarterback hit and a hurry.
But the Rams are deep at defensive end, stacking the odds against Sam, who has defied all odds just to get to the spot he's in. If he doesn't make the Rams roster, he could land with another team because of his skills as a pass rusher.
But showing special teams prowess also wouldn't hurt.
Do you think Michael Sam will make the St. Louis Rams' 53-man roster? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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