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Washington Redskins 2017 Draft Profiles: Michael Roberts, TE

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2017 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Gabe Ward
Toledo v Western Michigan Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images

Michael Roberts, TE
School: Toledo | Conference: Mid-American
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 259 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Late Rounds
NFL Comparison: Scott Chandler

College Statistics

Player Overview

Michael Roberts is a big guy. The Cleveland native is built more like a lean lineman than he is your modern-day tight end. In what is one of the richest tight end classes in years Roberts still stands out amongst the group of athletes at the position. While he is far removed from being the athlete that fellow tight end prospects Davis Njoku, O.J. Howard, or Jordan Leggett are, Roberts is a legitimate red zone threat and a true Y (aka inline) tight end. While at Toledo Roberts was also used on the outside, in the slot, and as an H-back. Roberts plays every bit to his size while run blocking and is a massive target for short to intermediate yardage. Roberts led all tight ends in the NCAA this year with 16 touchdowns. You can see him this weekend at the East-West Shrine Game and he was just added to the Senior Bowl roster yesterday.

Strengths

  • Despite not being a great athlete Roberts has soft hands as a receiver and is supremely reliable as a receiving option. His bread and butter is short yardage and red zone situations.
  • Talented in the run blocking game. Roberts is almost a 6th offensive lineman showing a good base and great strength and can actually move and control opponents. He contributed to the success teammate Kareem Hunt had this year.
  • Plays smart and gets to his spot on time and with decent precision (route running). Has great concentration when trying to haul in contested or tough to catch passes.
  • Excellent and imposing size for the position.

Weaknesses

  • Not an elite athlete (or probably even a good one). Lacks initial quickness and quickness getting out of breaks. A good coordinator will find the best way to use his versatility with his given physical talents but he most likely won't be the next Travis Kelce.
  • Won’t be a huge or consistent YAC guy.
  • Out of four years playing he only has one of stellar production.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

The Redskins have needed a legitimate Y tight end for a long time. If it costs a late round selection to get Michael Roberts in the building I wouldn't be opposed. All four (Reed, Davis, Paul, Carrier) Washington Redskins tight ends struggle to run block with veteran Vernon Davis being the best of the bunch. If it’s time for the Redskins to plan for the future (post Vernon Davis or Niles Paul) Roberts would be a good prospect to take a look at. While he is not going to juke folks out of their cleats like Jordan Reed he could be a real and legitimate red zone or short yardage threat for the Redskins just running a short post or out route.

I’m most impressed with Roberts’ versatility despite his lack of athleticism. Even if the red zone targets continue to go to Jordan Reed and others you have a legit Y tight end improving the run game by actually being able to sustain a block and set an edge. It's amazing. It’s about time the Redskins added a true Y to their collection of U TE’s

Would Michael Roberts improve the Redskins run game and red zone efficiency?
Yes, I'm convinced he can block and catch he is a needed addition.
Yes, but we don't someone like him this year.
No, concentrate on actually upgrading the o line rather than the TE position.
The coaches wouldn't use him anyway.

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