The Lazy Big Board: Chiefs Targets at SAM Linebacker

The Lazy Big Board: Chiefs

Targets at SAM Linebacker

by Ransom Hawthorne | March 27, 2019

Chiefs signed former Cowboy’s LB, Damien Wilson, to be their starting SAM Linebacker. The size of his contract, though, paints a picture of a guy who could be gone, next year. In modern 4-3 defenses, the SAM is essentially a sub-package player, as the traditional base D, is only run about a quarter of the time. As such, don’t expect the Chiefs to spend early picks on the position but rather, to target it late, or even back-fill with UDFAs.

Pick 29 None: Pick 61 or 63 None: the Chiefs just spent less than $6M, over two years, on their starting SAM. It’s not a position to target early. Barring a special fit, at the position, you can’t invest too highly in a guy who’ll be playing 25% of the snaps.

Pick 92 SAM Jachai Polite, Florida 6‘3” 258 lbs: Polite had a disastrous combine, where he botched both workouts, and interviews. For a guy with some maturity concerns, that’s not good. That said, he was testing a little overweight, and he’s a great pass rusher. While he’s too small to play DE, he’s just about the right size to play SAM, setting the edge, and rushing the passer. He’s not a dynamic athlete, and he needs to grow up a little bit, but the talent is unquestionably there.

Pick 167 SAM Maxx Crosby, Eastern Mich 6‘ 5” 255 lbs: Freak athlete with some serious agility and bend. He’s a guy who could potentially play DE, but I like his size and athleticism as a guy who can cover TEs, and bigger wideouts. He’s a good edge setter, though not terribly refined as a pass rusher. All the tools to be an intriguing prospect, but may take some time to put it together. Crosby can lock down against the run, and be a dangerous rusher, coming off the edge. Ceiling is very high.

Pick 201 SAM Sutton Smith, Northern Illinois 6′ 233 lbs: Small school DE who plays with intensity, but lacks size, for the position to play in the NFL. Edge setter, and should be a STs standout. Possesses good fluidity and strength, to go with average explosion and speed. Should be able to do whatever you need him to do as a SAM. Not much position versatility.

Pick 214 or 216 SAM Andrew Van-Ginkel, Wisconsin 6’3” 241 lbs: Good STs player, with the traits you look for in a Mike or Sam Linebacker. Long arms, and big hands, pair nicely with fluid movement. Nice explosion. Played 3-4 OLB, in college, and could get after the passer a little bit. Van Binkel needs to add some strength. He’s not as heavy as he should be, given his frame. Hasn’t been quite as productive in the run game as you might like. Traits based prospect, who’ll play on STs, while he molds his body, and learns the position. You won’t want to see him start early. Probably will need at least 2 years to see the field as anything other than a STs player.

The SAM position will not be a high priority for the Chiefs, but it’s one you can fill, late in the draft. I’m really intrigued by Crosby, so he’d be my first choice. That said, Sutton Smith is probably the most likely addition. He’s fairly similar to what they have, in Damien Wilson, so that would make for a smooth transition, down the road.

Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne

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