With all due respect, who do you think lines up as the "wedge" blockers on the KO Return teams? Do you think its all DBs or LBs on the punt return team at the LOS?
Same with the coverage units. Eugene Sims has made a career being a core ST performer on this team. At what point do you look to replace him with a younger version?
There is already plenty of opportunity being afforded Sam on ST, and that's not likely to change.
As far as Westbroks fitting the mold of Hayes, Sam is similar to Robert Quinn coming out of UNC. I am in no way comparing Sam's ability to Quinn's, its no different than trying to compare Westbrooks to Hayes. You are comparing apples to oranges, Sam is NOT going to be asked to slide inside, so to try to say that somehow makes Westbrooks better in that role, is irrelevant.
They BOTH have 4 weeks to prove their worth. All things being equal, Sam has the advantage.... he was a HIGH PROFILE draft pick, and regardless how one feels about that, its fact. As good as this organization has looked for making this selection, they stand to garner some backlash if they release him. Not saying it won't happen, but IMO, they will give him EVERY opportunity to make this team. Unless he implodes, or shows he just cannot play at this level (neither of which I see happening), they will find a place for him.