Arizona State linebacker Christian Sam was drafted by the New England Patriots in Saturday's sixth round of the NFL draft. He was the 178th overall selection.
Sam (6-2, 244) left ASU with a year of eligibility remaining to enter the draft, the third Sun Devil to make the jump, joining defensive lineman JoJo Wicker and offensive lineman Sam Jones. He was the second ASU player drafted.
Running back Kalen Ballage went to the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round.
Sam had a standout 2017 season, leading the Pac-12 with 127 tackles. Sam posted 9.