NFL Draft Rumors: San Francisco 49ers could target Michael Sam

Oct 19, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Michael Sam (52) celebrates after sacking Florida Gators quarterback Tyler Murphy (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 36-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Michael Sam (52) celebrates after sacking Florida Gators quarterback Tyler Murphy (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 36-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Michael Sam (52) celebrates after sacking Florida Gators quarterback Tyler Murphy (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 36-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Michael Sam (52) celebrates after sacking Florida Gators quarterback Tyler Murphy (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 36-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the story lines we’ve all been following as the NFL Draft approaches is that of Michael Sam, who once drafted will become the first openly gay NFL player in the history of the league. But we don’t know where he’s going to be taken and while he’s been a great story there are questions about his future as a pro from a purely football standpoint.

According Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Francisco 49ers could be a perfect fit for Michael Sam as they have the need for his pass rushing abilities as well as the right community for him to shine in as he fits into the NFL as a rookie.

Lynch notes that San Francisco has a very strong LGBT community and Sam could become a leader both on and off the field with the Niners. It truly does seem like the perfect fit for Sam and also sounds like the type of pick that Jim Harbaugh would make.

He likes to take risks on popular college players that aren’t getting a ton of love. Remember that he took a chance on Marcus Lattimore after the former South Carolina running back tore up his knee and he now seems to be in line for the starting gig.

There’s no saying Sam will be a star player, but he fills a need the Niners defense and could end up being a pick we hear called over the weekend.