NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out

Love that he came out like this, it's the first step to a culture change in the NFL which could eventually lead a lot of other old-fashioned, bull-headed components of society into the future.

That said, he's not all that good. He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, but 9 of those sacks came against Vanderbilt, Arkansas State and Florida (they had a down year). He dominates sub-par competition but plays to a stalemate against the better competition. Guess what kind of competition he'll find in the NFL.

He'd have to play OLB in our system and it makes no sense investing a 3rd or 4th at a position where we already have Kerrigan and Orakpo (assumed). Depth is good and all but we have too many holes elsewhere.

I'd pass on him. And my judgment is entirely based on football, as it should be.

Love that he came out like this, it's the first step to a culture change in the NFL which could eventually lead a lot of other old-fashioned, bull-headed components of society into the future.

That said, he's not all that good. He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, but 9 of those sacks came against Vanderbilt, Arkansas State and Florida (they had a down year). He dominates sub-par competition but plays to a stalemate against the better competition. Guess what kind of competition he'll find in the NFL.

He'd have to play OLB in our system and it makes no sense investing a 3rd or 4th at a position where we already have Kerrigan and Orakpo (assumed). Depth is good and all but we have too many holes elsewhere.

I'd pass on him. And my judgment is entirely based on football, as it should be.

Wow, I didn't know that. Certainly puts a damper on his stats. I wouldn't mind using a late round pick on him if he drops, but I probably wouldn't use a 3 or a 4.

Hope he's the first of many so we can get to the point where it's not even news anymore.

That is what I was thinking, the law of averages of having a 3% gay population says there has to be 50 or so gay guys in the NFL. If most or all of them come out right now there is strength in numbers, and they could support each other.
Also with the high numbers the players that have made anti gay comments in the past (Like Chris Culliver of the 49ers).might see things differently. Some of these macho guys think all gay men are effeminate and the probability of one of them being in the NFL is slim. If the guys with these attitudes find out a gay dude has been two lockers down for the last 3 seasons and he didn't know it, I think his attitude would change.

That is what I was thinking, the law of averages of having a 3% gay population says there has to be 50 or so gay guys in the NFL. If most or all of them come out right now there is strength in numbers, and they could support each other.
Also with the high numbers the players that have made anti gay comments in the past (Like Chris Culliver of the 49ers).might see things differently. Some of these macho guys think all gay men are effeminate and the probability of one of them being in the NFL is slim. If the guys with these attitudes find out a gay dude has been two lockers down for the last 3 seasons and he didn't know it, I think his attitude would change.

This interesting statement rings true about all forms of prejudices. Most of our country's prejudicies are born of pure ignorance. What I find strange is the unwillingness of some not to wanting to get to know others whom are different and thats a barrier we need to breakdown.

I'm glad he had the courage to come out. I'm also impressed with the entire Mizzou team. He came out at the beginning of this season to the team. Not a single one of those young men leaked to the media, made it a big deal, etc. Good for them.

I don't know enough about him as a prospect to say I'd want him here. I just hope this doesn't lead to discrimination. If anything, it should show the leadership and strength it takes to do something unprecedented because it's right, not because it's easy.

Hope he's the first of many so we can get to the point where it's not even news anymore.

This.

Again, I pointed this out in another thread somewhere, watch the 1993 movie Philadelphia with Tom Hanks. Shocking to see what was portrayed as the mainstream view of homosexuality. Society has changed enormously in the last 20 years. In 40, I expect it to be an absolute non-factor for 90% of the country.

He's a similar player to Brandon Jenkins coming out, although probably more valuable than that because there is no injury history.

If he's the best player on the board when we pick then by all means draft him. However, it's going to take a strong organization, head coach and strong veteran leadership to deal with the media circus. Not quite sure we have that here.


I have to agree with you we are lacking that part.

Love that he came out like this, it's the first step to a culture change in the NFL which could eventually lead a lot of other old-fashioned, bull-headed components of society into the future.

That said, he's not all that good. He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, but 9 of those sacks came against Vanderbilt, Arkansas State and Florida (they had a down year). He dominates sub-par competition but plays to a stalemate against the better competition. Guess what kind of competition he'll find in the NFL.

He'd have to play OLB in our system and it makes no sense investing a 3rd or 4th at a position where we already have Kerrigan and Orakpo (assumed). Depth is good and all but we have too many holes elsewhere.

I'd pass on him. And my judgment is entirely based on football, as it should be.

Guess thats why he was rated 3rd or 4th round instead of higher

to me this is non news. all anyone should care about if he can make plays. no more, no less