Elandon Roberts NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Patriots Rookie

POSITIVES

The FBS leader in solo tackles during the 2015 season with 88, Elandon Roberts matches production and athleticism at the inside linebacker position.

Moving across the field and attacking the ball, Roberts shines as an easy, fluid mover. He has quick closing ability and can fly to the ball on the edge of the defense. An inside/outside linebacker, Roberts has impressive range.

In pass situations, Roberts gets a deep vertical drop with ease and has the feet and hips to survive in coverage against NFL offenses. He’s quick to recognize the play and lets his eyes take him to the ball. Roberts is a bouncy, balanced player in space and in the box.

Taking on the run, Roberts gets good scrape and meets the ball at the point of attack. His 88 solo tackles are proof of his playmaking ability, and he’s quick enough to flash and make plays in the backfield. A vocal leader who truly loves the game, Roberts will help on special teams early on.

NEGATIVES

On the hoof, Roberts doesn’t meet the standards for height, weight and length at the position. The NFL is getting smaller and faster, but Roberts is a little below that line.

While Roberts shows good quickness and short-area burst, his long speed is questionable. He’s not a burner on the field and won’t outrun backs to the hole or cut them off at the pass without a great angle. He’s not fast enough to recover from mistakes in reads and keys. Poor angles across the field and average awareness to see and feel cut blocks leaves Roberts out of more plays than you’d like on the edge.

In college, Roberts could make up for poor instincts with a great motor and athleticism, but in the NFL he cannot afford to be late with his eyes. Roberts has value as a do-it-all linebacker, but his lack of size and pro-ready awareness will push him down the board.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 235 lbs.

40 Time: 4.60s

3-Cone: 7.23s

Short Shuttle: 4.26s

PRO COMPARISON: Demario Davis, Cleveland Browns
FINAL GRADE: 5.40/9.00 (Round 7—Backup Caliber)