NFL exec: Michael Sam 'will have a chance' to make Rams roster

Michael Sam faces an uphill battle in his quest to crack the St. Louis Rams' 53-man roster, but one NFL personnel executive believes the former Missouri defensive end still has a chance.

In an interview with Tom Pelissero of USA TODAY Sports, the executive, who spoke under the condition of anonymity for competitive reasons, described Sam as "kind of a try hard guy. Has some awareness. (Sam) will have a chance I think."

Sam made headlines in May after becoming the first openly gay player to be drafted into the NFL. He has kept a relatively low profile since, doing whatever he can to increase his chances of making the final roster.

Former Rams vice president of player personnel Tony Softli believes Sam will survive final roster cuts, but only if he shows enough versatility over the next two preseason games to contribute on special teams.

"Michael Sam has shown enough rushing the passer - and that's what he is, he's a DPR, he's a designated pass rusher - that he can get off and beat a tackle on the upfield shoulder. He can spin and come underneath," Softli told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday.

Sam has performed well through two preseason games, recording two tackles and one sack. The problem is, undrafted rookie defensive end Ethan Westbrooks, Sam's primary competition, has performed even better.

The Rams face the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, and with a little over a week to go before final cuts, it could be a make-or-break game for Sam.