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Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: S Andre Sam, LSU

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Carter Landis | Last updated 1/24/24

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for young talent to bolster their team through the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Antonio Pierce-Tom Telesco era has officially begun in Las Vegas, and this draft class could establish the foundation of their tenure. They will need to find players who will fit the Raider culture, something Pierce has done a fantastic job of showing already.

In his time as interim coach, Pierce created a relentless defensive identity and had his team looking like one of the best defenses in the league. He and Telesco could collaborate on finding players to help improve the defense even more.

One of those players could be LSU safety Andre Sam. A six-year college player who made stops at McNeese State and Marshall before concluding his career with the Tigers, Sam is one of the most experienced players in the class.

Sam, a two-time First-Team All-Southland Conference player after being a walk-on with the Cowboys, finished his collegiate career with 222 total tackles, two forced fumbles, 15 passes defended, and nine interceptions.

Sam is a versatile defensive back. He played over 1,400 snaps at safety throughout his college career and over 800 as a slot cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus. At 6 feet tall and 190 pounds, Sam likely projects as someone who will continue to play both positions at the next level.

On tape, Sam has a cornerback frame. While he is a bit short and slender, he is not afraid to hit. He is technically proficient and will fly downfield to put a helmet on the ball. Sam uses fluid hips and strong hands to win his match-ups with less physical offensive players.

Sam was impressive in coverage with the Tigers in 2023, going 11 weeks between giving up a touchdown.

Sam’s physicality is impressive, but bigger, faster offensive players will beat him every time. He struggles to get off blocks, which may limit him as a run defender.

Sam may be an appealing option if the Raiders are looking to add a physical, fearless defensive back who can play multiple positions on the field. He is currently projected to be a late-round draft pick, so he would be a nice depth piece for a Raiders’ defense looking to bolster their second and third lines.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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