Bulls during NFL / CFL Steven Means

Over the next week or two, before we start ramping up our 2017 football coverage, Bull Run is going to be taking a look at all the Bulls who are in an NFL or CFL camp. Some of these players are proven assets and others are long shot tryout players.

Previously we have talked about Mason Schreck, Roubbens Joseph, Jordan Johnson, Kristjan Sokoli, Branden Oliver, and John Kling. Today were talking Steven Means.

Means was a local recruit for Buffalo. He played his prep ball at Grover Cleveland High School in Buffalo and was recruited by the Bulls.

Despite often overshadowed by a young Khalil Mack, Means was phenomenal defensive end for Buffalo. Means racked 186 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and five blocked kicks.

Means led the Bulls in sacks his freshman season, and was tied with Khalil Mack for the team lead during his sophomore year. When all was said and done he nearly broke Trevor Scott’s Division one era sack record before finishing up his career at UB. He is still among UB’s all time top ten in Sacks and tackles for loss.

In 2013 Means was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round. he made it into ten games for the Bucs during his rookie year. He was cut the next season after the first week.

After being cut, the Raves swooped in and signed Means to their practice squad. After an injury opened up a roster spot the Ravens brought means up and put him in a game. The following season he suffered a sports hernia was given a settlement and released.

The Texans picked him up and tried to stash Means on their practice squad but he was poached off the unit by Philadelphia.

Means was seen as a long shot by many but a fantastic preseason won him a job. He was on and off the active roster then in week seven he recorded his first career sack, which also caused Sam Bradford to fumble.

So what about this year? Well Means jumped over former first round pick Marcus Smith. He stole playing time last season and the Eagles did not exercise his option this year.

At the same time Philadelphia picked up Chris Long and drafted Derek Barnett. So Means will have to beat out smith, who is likely in his last year, and Alex McCalister who spent most of last year on the IR.

I believe Smith’s cap hit is the difference here and Means once again makes the roster.