Detroit Lions Draft 2017: A Tight End for Every Round
By Ash Thompson
Michael Roberts, Toledo
Roberts comes from the kind of troubled upbringing that makes you root for him to succeed. He started his collegiate experience academically ineligible to play which him a little behind the curve.
He only has a single season as one of college footballs best red zone targets, with 16 touchdowns in his senior year. That was sixth in the FBS, with 36% of his receptions resulting in touchdowns. He was the All-MAC first team Tight End in 2016.
He has massive (11.5 inch) hands. That is always going to help a player reel in the howitzers coming their way from Matthew Stafford. He blocks with solid technique, not leaning to far forward, or standing too upright while engaging his opponent. Roberts was a player that did not benefit from his combine experience.
He showed that the athletic limitations which showed up on tape were legitimate. He ran a 4.86 40 yard dash, and had only a 30″ vertical jump. At 6’4″ and 270 lbs he has the potential to be a team’s second or third tight end as a short yardage specialist in the receiving game.
He lacks the upside of players that will be drafted in earlier rounds, but he has a very high basement. He is ready to make an impact as a rookie if utilized properly.