2016 NFL Draft: After posting one of most productive seasons a linebacker has had in recent years, Elandon Roberts looks to take his talents to the NFL.
If you’re looking for a guy in this class who came out of nowhere, Roberts is just the fit. The Port Arthur, Texas native attended Morgan State as a freshman, where he racked up a school-record 107 tackles in his lone season there. After being virtually unknown throughout his first two seasons at Houston, the senior linebacker put up earth-shattering numbers. He led the country in 2015 with 88 solo tackles (142 tackles overall) and notched double-digit stops in seven games. 19 of those tackles were for loss and 2.5 were sacks. When you put up number like that, NFL teams come calling.
Measurables
6-0
235 pounds
4.6 40-yard dash
25 bench press reps
Strengths
Judging by his statistics, it’s clear that Roberts has a nose for the ball. He has great vision and is able to avoid/shed blocks with ease. Once he gets to the ball carrier, it’s game over for the offensive player
The above video shows Roberts’ ability to find the ball carrier, something that’s difficult to do against a triple option offense like Navy. He had 4.5 tackles for loss in that match up.
Roberts is also a leader. He was a team captain and has a relentless work ethic.
Weaknesses
Elandon Roberts’ biggest weakness is his coverage skills. He is not the best at changing directions, which allows receivers to blow by him. He also dropped multiple interception opportunities.
Roberts could also use some work in improving his acceleration.
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Outlook
Coming on to the scene so late definitely hurts Roberts’ draft stock. If he had at least one more impressive year under his belt, the former Cougar would be a mid-round pick. Nonetheless, he is everything a coach could ask for: hard worker, leader and talented. Whenever Roberts gets taken, he has the chance to develop into something special.
Expect him be drafted in the seventh round.