Michael Sam could now be the steal of the draft.

Considering the Steelers need help on defense, the SEC defensive player of the year could be available for the Steelers. The Rooneys lead the charge to help minority coaches get hired, so are they up for leading the way for a young gay player looking to make an impact in the NFL? If he's got the goods and impresses in the combine, I hope the Steelers grab him.

 

Ooooooh, it's going to be fun watching this thread spiral out of control, lol.

Personal feelings aside, does this guy want to be identified as a football player or as a GAY football player? If he's a good football player and can help the team, I'd have no problem drafting him. But the fact that he's come out a couple of months ahead of the draft tells me that he may be looking to grab the mantle as the first openly gay NFL player. If that's the case, do we really want and need the distraction?

 

Missouri DE/OLB Mike Sam announces he's gay

Man that's bold to come out two weeks before the combine. It will be interesting to see how it affects his draft status, he's projected to be drafted in the third round.

 

From what I read, he came out to his Missouri teammates and apparently the rumors were flying. It sounded like this was his way of getting out in front of it. Sounds like the NFL vets players in the draft like the CIA does recruits. I think he'd only be as much a distraction as the team allows him to be. The Steelers handled all the Big Ben rape stuff in stride. They surely could handle this IF he's worthy. I don't follow the combines so I don't know if he's the real deal or not. Just hope the Steelers wouldn't pass on him if he's capable. Heck we've already had a Gay player on D. (sorry couldn't resist).

 

And don't forget Cody Wallace.

 

In all seriousness, I don't think he's necessarily the kind of player that represents a need for the Steelers this year.

 

maybe they can practice together in the offseason.

 

I told you this thread would spiral out of control, I just didn't expect it this quickly.

 

Because our DEs have been so effective with an abundance of sacks? We've gone whole games without pressuring the QB much less touching him. I know the secondary sucks and we need that but I didn't think we were so strong at any defensive position that we could afford to overlook a talented player.

 

What round is Sam projected to go in? I don't think we go DE/OLB in the first three rounds.

 

the gay thing aside. I don't think he fits in a 3-4. he doesn't hold up against the run well. auburn exposed him. he gets up the field great. a lot of distractions are gonna come with him. I would pass on the play on the field but that coupled with the other. no thanks

 

Agreed, that was my point, if he's talented, we could use him because we need help everywhere on D.

 

I think you are right, we have other needs, but the point on my thread was that he could be a steal if other teams pass on him. He's projected mid 1st round from what I've read.

 

I'd like to believe and also hope the city of Pittsburgh and the organization of the steelers could see beyond something like this.
That being said, he wouldn't fit in because of the scheme we run. He doesn't have the weight to be pushed inside to DE.
Yet, I wouldn't have an issue with him being converted to OLB. He can get up field and rush a passer. You can teach technique in space.

I do think this hurts his stock. Hell fall to the 4th or later because of his sexual orientation.

 

I think we have enough oversized olb. the de to olb experiment has failed more than succeeded or at least for us. I mean Woodley has even been a disappointment

 

For me, I think the point is this...I don't care who he likes in his bed....as long as a couple of things are true:

1. The guy can play some football.
2. If we draft him, it better be because he fills a need for us.
3. That he isn't in the announcement for the fame. I don't want the drama associated with that.
4. That the Steelers don't draft him to make a political point....the draft is about football....nothing more...nothing less.

 

He would be kinda short for a 3-4 pass rushing OLB, but he certainly has the burst, quickness, and leverage to be effective. He would certainly be somewhat of a project tho. I've seen him compared to Elvis Dumervil (also a short pass rusher), but idk if that is because of his game or his stature. Either way, he performed very well against good competition. If his draft stock falls and we find him available in the 4th or 5th round, I wouldn't be against drafting him.

 

Short??

I'm confused. The kid is 6'3" tall.

James Harrison 6'0"
Jarvis Jones 6'2"
Lamar Woodley 6'2"
Joey Porter 6'3"

Short is not an issue.

 

I thought about this too. NFL teams are terrified to attract publicity to their team if it can be construed as bad press. There are a lot of people who don't approve of homosexuality.

If Michael Sam can be had in the later rounds I think Steeler Nation should get behind him- Sam wants that shot and the Steelers should give it to him.

Steelers need all the 3-4 OLB they can get and Sam in a late round would be a steal.

I have always thought it was ridiculous the "Rooney Rule" was accredited to the Steelers when Ray Rhodes with the Eagles, Dennis Green with the Vikings etc. came long before.

Now the Steelers have an actual chance to be the first team to give an opportunity to a minority.

Kudos to Sam for having the guts to come out- he is a better man than most of us.

 

I've read some reports saying he was a mid to late round prospect anyway. Hell, some guys that have been early round prospects went un-drafted. I can see him getting this out to stay ahead of the rumors, but I can't help thinking that if this kid is passed up, then the media circus is going to pin it on him being gay and that's not right either in my book.