2010 NFL Draft: Andre Roberts Sleeper WR For Detroit Lions?

One of the most glaring needs the Lions have had over the last few years is a reliable second wide receiver to go along with superstar Calvin Johnson.

Every team is on the look out for the next Wes Welker or Devery Henderson.  I believe that wide receiver Andre Roberts from the Citadel could be that next great slot receiver.  If drafted by the Lions, they could have the best secondary receiver since the days of Mike Furrey.

Roberts, listed at 5-11 and 192 pounds, offers sure hands and explosive speed.  His fastest recorded 40-yard time is 4.38 seconds.  That puts him in close comparison with some of the fastest players in the NFL today which includes Chris Johnson (4.24), Desean Jackson (4.29), and Ted Ginn Jr. (4.31).

Another weapon in his arsenal is his ability to return kicks.  He led the Southern Conference in punt returns and was named the media and coaches All Conference for wide receiver and punt return specialist.  Any Lions fan will tell you how weak they have been in the return game over the past few seasons.

An analysis of Roberts from CBS Sports indicates that Roberts has good straight-line speed and superior quickness.  Add the fact he has good, strong hands, consistently makes the routine catches and makes difficult ones look easy.

Good route running skills that will only get better as he gains experience, Roberts can be most effective on WR screens and sideline routes.  He will fight for the ball, has great vertical leap for his size and will fight for additional yardage after contact.

SI.com is quoted as saying "The small school prospect (Roberts) showed big time pass-catching skills all week. He’s a complete receiver that displayed terrific route running skills besides great hands. Roberts had some of the best senior cornerbacks in the nation twisted like pretzels as they tried to stay with him on the field. His performance in Mobile will move Roberts into the draft’s top 100 selections.”

My previous article regarding what the Lions should do in the 2010 draft, I state the Lions should concentrate on getting an offensive guard in the fourth round, yet another serious need for the Lions.  However, Roberts's capability and speed could be too hard to ignore.

If Robert's stock continues to rise (after the Senior Bowl, he is projected to go in the fourth round), the Lions may have to pass on him.  But if they can land him, it would potentially give the Lions the best receiving corps since the days of Herman Moore, Brett Perriman, and Johnny Morton.

Pairing him with Calvin Johnson along with tight end Brandon Pettigrew would give Matthew Stafford plenty of weapons at his disposal.