Wide Receiver

Citadel

5-11 192

40 time (projected): 4.44

Draft board overall prospect rank: #13

Draft board wide receiver rank: #114

Overall rating: 66*

            Andre Roberts was one of the few small school players who burst onto the big scene in the Senior Bowl. He had a down season as a senior, getting less than 1000 receiving yards for the first time in two years, which, at a small school, against weak competition, wasn’t impressive. I thought, if he got drafted, it would be as a kick returner. However, he showed his amazing route running and knowledge of the game of football and looked like a man among boys at Senior Bowl practice, instead of the other way around. However, he lacks elite athletic ability. He doesn’t have great size and that will hurt him against more physical NFL cornerback and he doesn’t have the speed to blow past anyone. I think he’s best suited as a gritty slot guy who is capable of getting yards after the catch and not afraid to go over the middle and catch a ball. He has very soft and secure hands which will help him back the tough catches he will almost have to make in the NFL and a result of his mediocre natural athleticism. He could become a quarterback’s best friend very quickly, and he’ll also impress as a punt returner. I don’t think he’ll be anything special in the NFL, but you could do a lot worse than a smart, gritty, and disciplined wide receiver with excellent route running and good ability as a punt returner, in the 3^rd-4^th round range.

NFL Comparison: Austin Collie

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here