National Football League

Michael Sam gets his chance to show off his skills for scouts

Published Feb. 24, 2014 1:36 p.m. ET

Sid Saraf

Michael Sam killed it during his media session with reporters on Saturday. On Monday, he got his shot at the on-field workouts and if you could sum it up in one word, that word would be: meh.

Sam didn't do bad at all, but he was right in the middle of the pack. Sam ran a time of 4.91 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which is average. However, on the bench press, he was only able to lift 225 pounds 17 times, which isn't great. Here's another thing: Sam possesses defensive end skills, but has the frame of a linebacker, which puts his as a "tweener" prospect. And his production in Indianapolis doesn't put him as an ideal candidate for either position. Too slow for a linebacker and not strong and big enough (6-2, 261 pounds) as a defensive end.

Former NFL GM Phil Savage, tweeted out his instant analysis after Sam's workouts:

Michael Sam/Mizzou 6020/261 ran 4.88/4.91 on my clock. Has athletic tightness as OLB, but looked better than @seniorbowl. 4-down value is ?
— Phil Savage (@SeniorBowlPhil) February 24, 2014