Ravens among teams interested in Michael Sam

Former Missouri defensive end Michael Sam was a terror in the SEC this past season.

As a senior, Sam posted 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. But his performance at the NFL combine left more to be desired, as Sam ran a 4.91 40-yard dash and benched 225 just 17 times.

Those numbers improved to a 4.72 40 and 19 reps at his pro day, while improving his vertical leap from 25 inches to 30.

Even with the combine struggles, the Ravens are one of six teams taking a close look at Sam, according to a report from The Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson.

In addition to the Ravens, the Patriots, Colts, Browns, Falcons and Jets are scouting Sam closely.

Sam figures to be drafted, perhaps as a mid-round to late-round prospect. If the Ravens took him, he'd likely transition to being a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Sam is set to become the first openly-gay NFL player in league history. He announced his sexual orientation in interviews with ESPN and the New York Times, and gave SB Nation's OutSports a behind-the-scenes look at the process of the public revelation.

If Sam can play at the NFL level, he should be able to play. While some teams may choose to look the other way based on this, it's clear there are teams that don't care one bit about his personal life.

And that's the way it should be.