Michael Sam, the former University of Missouri All American defensive end was signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad on Wednesday. Michael Sam was the first openly gay player drafted in the NFL when the St. Louis Rams drafted him in the 7th round with the 249th overall pick.
Michael SamMichael Sam Profile
Height: 6'2
Weight: 260
40 time: 4.9
Michael Sam, who was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 has good size at 6'2, 260 pounds, but he is on the slow side, running a 4.9 40 at the NFL Combine. He does have long arms and shows a very good first step. Watching film on him you see that he plays really hard and has a very good motor. He is very aggressive and very durable.
Michael Sam appears to be the type of player you want on your team and has a great attitude.
"I’m trying to help the Cowboys any way I can, so I can earn a spot on this team and help our team win games – anything I can. Special teams, left end, right end, wherever. If you want me to hold the ball, I’ll hold the ball – I’ll do it to perfection."
The Rest of the Practice Squad: Defense
DE Kenneth Boatright
- Showed a great motor during the preseason
- A little underweight, probably better on the right side
- Will struggle with big strong tight ends and tackles in the running game
S Micah Pellerin
- Has more experience playing free safety, but can play corner as well
- Has the prototype size and speed to play both positions
- More of a cover man than a physical tackler
S Keith Smith
- tough, physical tackler
- led the nation in tackles in 2013
- his biggest weakness is his speed
- fits best at strong safety/outside linebacker
DB Jemea Thomas
- can play both corner and safety
- has prototype size and speed to play both positions
- very strong and plays well in the run game
- very durable and has played through injuries
Offense
WR Tim Benford
- very good special teams performer
- he was the 2011 Ohio Valley Conference's Offensive Player of the Year
- humble player that is a very hard worker
OG Ronald Patrick
- prototype size and speed
- played well during the preseason
- can play center and guard
- the Cowboys might have found a diamond in the rough
OT John Wetzel
- prototype size and speed
- played really well at right tackle during preseason
- more of a run blocker than pass blocker
- he made the initial 53 man roster, but moved to the practice squad when the team decided to sign Donald Hawkins
FB Nikita Whitlock
- played nose tackle in college at Wake Forest, where he made 82 tackles and 9 sacks as a senior
- tremendous competitior
- could really help out on special teams
- good to have another FB in case Tyler Clutts gets injured
RB Ryan Williams
Ryan Williams- shocking that he didn't make the 53-man roster
- he had a really good preseason, showed good quickness and strength that Joseph Randle doesn't have
- In my opinion he is better than Lance Dunbar