Detroit Lions Select Tight End Michael Roberts with Second Fourth-Round Pick
With the second of two fourth-round selections, the Detroit Lions opted for tight end, Michael Roberts. Roberts is a massive target with huge hands – an 11.5-inch hand span. Roberts is a scoring threat, recording 22 touchdowns in his career. He is also an adequate, but inconsistent, blocker who should continue to improve in that aspect.
However, this pick seems like a reach in Round 4 as NFL.com, CBSsports.com and other outlets projected Roberts as a fifth or sixth-round prospect.
Position: Tight End
Size: 6-foot-4 inches, 270 pounds
Why He Makes Sense For Detroit:
With the Lions still yet to pick up the fifth-year option on Eric Ebron’s contract, Roberts gives the Lions another choice. Tight end was a need going into the draft for the Lions, and the fourth round was the ideal place to take one with options like Clemson’s Jordan Legget, Michigan’s Jake Butt and Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges still on the board. However, the Lions opted for Roberts.
Roberts provides Detroit with a huge red zone threat, willing run-blocking ability and the potential for yards after catch. He scored 16 touchdowns in 2016. He needs to work on his route-running and continue to improve as blocker.
"One season of “wow” production, but has NFL size and length. Roberts’ tape shows inconsistent effort from a blocking standpoint, but it also shows the strength and ability to handle those chores on the next level. He should be a functional receiver target as well and could come in as a third tight end with the ability to work his way up the ladder.–Lance Zierlein"
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