A few things to know about Sam Acho, the outside linebacker Arizona selected with the sixth pick of the fourth round, No. 103 overall:
Acho got off to a good start during his news conference with reporters in Arizona. He pointed to Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett as a player he admires. Acho: "He’s such an unbelievable player, an unbelievable talent. He’s just talented and that’s one guy that I’ve admired growing up and watching the Arizona Cardinals. There are so many talented players on that defense. I think I’ll be able to fit in well and just learn from all the veterans." That attitude gives Acho a better chance, no question.
Acho played linebacker for two seasons at Texas before transitioning to defensive end. He projects as an outside linebacker for the Cardinals and said the transition will not be difficult. Acho: "I love rushing the passer. I’ve been playing defensive end or linebacker since I was in the seventh grade, so I've always had a passion for it. I’m excited to be able to go to a team that’s going to allow me to help them rush the passer."
Acho's parents are from Nigeria. He visits each summer on what he described as medical mission trips.
Learning a playbook shouldn't be too difficult for Acho. He was a double-major at Texas (business honors and marketing). He also speaks Spanish.
Acho pointed to "relentlessness" as his No. 1 attribute and said his smarts would pay off on the field.
The Cardinals will be back on the clock in the fifth round shortly.