With the 88th pick... The Arizona Cardinals select WR Andre Roberts, The Citadel

[Shogun]

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Release: Good straight-line speed and superior quickness. Quick first step off the line, and separates from defenders after a cut or once past the second level with great acceleration. Will need to learn how to beat the jam from pro corners, but won't back away from the challenge.

Hands: Makes the easy catch consistently, and can make difficult catches look easy. Strong hands and good vertical in jump-ball situations, albeit against smaller FCS corners. Can track the ball over either shoulder. Maintains control of the ball after taking a hit down the sideline. Secure with the ball as a punt returner.

Route running: Most receptions come on screens, drag routes or down the sideline. Separates from nickel corners on quick outs, and can stop on a dime after securing the ball to head upfield. Will need to learn the finer points of route-running to find holes in zones from the slot, but his quick feet and sure hands should allow him to excel.

After the catch: Very elusive after the catch, often turning short throws into big gains using quick reverse moves, vision and acceleration. Protects the ball well, and plays stronger than his wiry frame would indicate. Fights for additional yardage after initial contact. Nice first step, cut back and quick acceleration on punt returns, but NFL special teams units will be tougher to gain yardage against.

Blocking: Willing downfield and goal-line blocker, but lacks the size and hand technique to sustain against larger corners. Could give more consistent effort maintaining the inside angle and getting to defenders in the open field. Gets a body on a defender to seal back-side edge when run blocking from motion.

Intangibles: Hard worker on and off the field, as is expected from students of a military school. Quiet leader, well-liked by his coaches. Received the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame's annual Bobby Richardson Sportsmanship Award in May 2009.

NFL Comparison: Harry Douglas, Falcons

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1662379​

 

[Shogun]

Strengths:
Smooth and athletic --- Adequate height --- Reliable hands --- Quick and agile with a burst --- Elusive --- Runs good routes and knows how to get open --- Can do a lot of damage after the catch --- Tough and is not afraid to go over the middle --- Durable --- Also a very good return man --- Nice career production --- Excellent work ethic --- Team leader.

Weaknesses:
Needs to bulk up --- Isn't very strong --- Just average speed --- Might have trouble getting separation ---Not really a vertical threat --- Plays too high at times --- Has trouble high-pointing the ball --- Gives good effort but an average blocker --- Did not play against elite competition.

Notes:
Was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs --- An FCS (Division I-AA) All-American --- Named 1st Team All-Southern Conference as both a wide receiver and return specialist in 2008 and 2009 --- Elected a team captain as a junior and senior --- Finished his career 2nd in SoCon history in both catches and receiving yards --- Averaged 14.0 yards on 83 attempts with 3 touchdowns as a punt returner during his college career --- Nice blend of physical tools and top-notch intangibles --- May be best suited to play in the slot --- A small school gem with NFL talent.

http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/WR/Andre-Roberts.php

 

[Duckjake]

The Cards annual small school pick.

His biggest game and half his TD catches last season came against Presbyterian College.

 

[Shogun]

Pick Analysis: The Cardinals pick up an underrated small school standout to fill the void created by the departure of Anquan Boldin. Andre Roberts posted big numbers in the Southern Conference, and his skills translate well to the pro game. A polished route runner with good hands, he could develop into a quality slot receiver in time.

Overview

Roberts is a dominating receiver at this level of football and has enough of the measurables to make you think he can make the transition to the next level. He is explosive off the line and shows good straight line speed yet still can drop his hips and come out of his cuts crisply and with a burst to separate from defenders. He has natural hand placement and a wide receiving radius to make catches when the ball is slightly off target. He is elusive once the ball is in his hands and has enough speed to be a threat to take it all the way. He will need a lot of work on reading more complicated coverage schemes and will have to learn how to beat the press against the NFL’s top corners.

Strengths

Roberts has good top-end speed. Possesses outstanding quickness and burst allowing him to get in and out of breaks rapidly. Has good, strong hands and very good receiving skills. Is a dynamo after the catch and can really make defenders miss in the open field. Can turn a short pass into a long gainer in a hurry.

Weaknesses

Roberts was a very productive college receiver but at a lower level of competition. Is quicker than fast and does not possesses elite top-end speed. Lack of adequate height and speed could limit his potential as a vertical threat.

Grade

6.9

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2010/profiles/andre-roberts?id=497320#tabs:tab-analysis

 

[Shogun]

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[Shogun]

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[cardsfanmd]

As you can tell from my other thread, I LOVE this pick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roberts is a stud.

 

[AZ Native]

The Cards annual small school pick.

His biggest game and half his TD catches last season came against Presbyterian College.

Maybe, but I still trust Whiz. That guy knows what he is doing.

 

[Shogun]

Just watched the return HL. Dude is filthy with the ball in his hands.

I remember Roberts having a strong Senior Bowl.

 

[football karma]

The Cards annual small school pick.

His biggest game and half his TD catches last season came against Presbyterian College.

yeah

at some point in every draft they make a left hand turn

Hightower in 2008
Toler in 2009
now Roberts

 

[D-Dogg]

I dislike short receivers, BUT, he is an ideal punt returner. And, I think he will run a lot of the short ins and slants out of a slot role, simply to get the ball in his hands. I don't see him as a downfield threat, but he can bring some of what we lost in Boldin back...the outlet over the middle with good run-after-the-catch ability.

A nice little release valve for Matt. Interesting to see this kid in camp, personally.

 

[Dr. Jones]

At some point, every team drafts a guy who they hope will turn into the next Wes Welker.

This is our guy.

 

[Timm Rosenbach]

He is an upgrade over Jehreme Urban. I will give him that already

 

[Dr. Jones]

He is an upgrade over Jehreme Urban. I will give him that already

Can he catch?

BRILLIANT!!!

 

[DoTheDew]

I like the pick but I think we may have been able to trade down into the 4th and still gotten him. I don't know that there were teams willing to trade up. I am happy he is on our team not just sure I'm happy about taking him in the 3rd.

 

[slanidrac16]

The Cards annual small school pick.

His biggest game and half his TD catches last season came against Presbyterian College.

Remember Mel Gray? He was 5'7" and 180 lbs. He didn't too bad for us. I'm tellin ya, this kid will flip the field for us. He's the jitterbug you just hate to have to punt the ball to. He's not a fluke track and field guy. He has very good hands and is fearless for a little guy.

Unlike Breaston who seems to be a long strider, this kid is quick and elusive.

Your gonna love this kid DJ.

 

[Mulli]

yeah

at some point in every draft they make a left hand turn

Hightower in 2008
Toler in 2009
now Roberts

And DRC.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I like the pick but I think we may have been able to trade down into the 4th and still gotten him. I don't know that there were teams willing to trade up. I am happy he is on our team not just sure I'm happy about taking him in the 3rd.

As you say... you don't know.

Our drafting team obviously thought he'd be gone before our pick in the 4th.

 

[PitchShifter]

There's a 9 min collection of some of his plays at this link (pulled it off the *other* place). He looks pretty allusive, and a couple of those punt catches were pretty awesome.

http://www.nfldraftgm.com/2010/02/andre-roberts-wr-citadel.html

 

[Brewster10]

I know this is a forum for discussion, but I get so sick of seeing posts about how this guy would have been available later. Ive seen it with Washington and now this kid.

How do you know this? How do you know these players would have been available later in the draft?

I also don't know how anybody can say that this was a bad pick. I doubt anybody here is familiar with the Citadel and has seen this kid play.

 

[cardsfanmd]

I know this is a forum for discussion, but I get so sick of seeing posts about how this guy would have been available later. Ive seen it with Washington and now this kid.

How do you know this? How do you know these players would have been available later in the draft?

I also don't know how anybody can say that this was a bad pick. I doubt anybody here is familiar with the Citadel and has seen this kid play.

I am and I have.



















He's worth it

 

[joeshmo]

I like the pick a lot. Kid is filthy with the ball in his hands. Top 10 in almost all speed and agility categories for WR's at the combine. The best punt return man in college football over the last 4 years, great speed and agility, good hands, runs the reverse, runs the wildcat, and just an overall really good kid.

Go here and read his overview and tell me you dont like the kid, the way they talk about him you would think he is the best WR in the draft -
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1662379?tag=pageRow;pageContainer

Based on his collegiate career, Roberts might be well-advised to get into the restaurant business once he decides to end his football playing days, as he has certainly become one of the most prolific "table-setters" in school, Southern Conference and NCAA Football Championship Subdivision history. Along the way, he has not only proven to be one of the most electrifying receivers in the collegiate game, but also the FCS's national-leading punt returners.

While his 285 receptions in 45 games, his average of 6.36 receptions per game rank 23rd in NCAA Football Championship Subdivision history. 60.70% of his catches (173) were good for first downs. 16.14% of his grabs converted third-down plays (46) and he proved to have "Velcro" hands, dropping just six of 383 pass targeted to him (1.56%) in four seasons.

Despite lacking great bulk, Roberts excels at moving the chains, as 274 of his 285 catches produced positive yardage (96.14%, as he was tackled for a loss six times and stopped for no gain five times). He would finish his career catching 74.41% of the ball thrown to him, as the opposition managed to deflect 36 of those throws and Bulldog quarterbacks misfired on 56 other attempts.

As for his "table-setting" ability, Roberts' 37 touchdown receptions rank second in Southern Conference history and are tied for 16th in NCAA Football Championship Subdivision annals. The Bulldogs recorded 67 touchdown catches in his four seasons with the team, as he came up with a key reception that helped set up all but three of those scoring opportunities.

Roberts' ability as a pass catcher, rushing and returning punts saw him set up or score on 120 touchdown drives and 23 others that resulted in the team ending those series with field goals. In that time span, the team registered 155 total touchdowns, with Roberts having a hand in 77.42% of them. He also set up 23 the 42 field goals produced by The Citadel (54.76%). He was responsible for putting up 909 of the 1,205 points that the offensive squad recorded (75.43%) during his career with the Bulldogs.

Among his 285 receptions, 125 were good for at least 10 yards 43.86%), including 56 that gained 20 yards or more (19.65%). He made 33 of those receptions inside the red zone (11.58%), with 10 coming on goal-line plays. In addition to his 46 third-down conversions, he also kept four series alive by coming up with a quartet of fourth-down grabs.

Roberts' eight 100-yard receiving performances in 2008 rank seventh in Southern Conference history while his string of nine consecutive games with at least one touchdown reception in 2008 rank second in conference annals. For his career, he gained over 100 yards receiving seventeen times, a school record. He also had at least one touchdown reception in 26 contests.

With NFL teams utilizing the popular "Wildcat" offense more in recent years, Roberts' ability to take direct snaps and reverses greatly added to his pedigree. In 43 direct snaps, he produced 20 first downs and set up 11 touchdown drives, as one other possession ended with a Bulldogs field goal. He had 12 carries for over 10 yards, including one for longer than 20 yards and converted six third-down carries, gaining first downs on all six rushing attempts inside the red zone.

Further adding to his resume is Roberts' outstanding punt return skills. He led the nation with a 19.2-yard return average in 2008, the 17th-best season average in NCAA history. His 461 yards gained via punt returns in 2008 rank fourth on the Southern Conference season-record list while his three runbacks for touchdowns as a junior tied the league's annual record. In his final season, he led the league and placed sixth nationally with an average of 15.5 yards per punt return.

Roberts' 1,160 yards gained via punt returns established a school career-record, as he became the seventh player in Southern Conference annals to gain over 1,000 yards in that category, ranking fourth all-time in league history with his yardage total. His average of 13.98 yards per punt return is the 18th-best in NCAA FCS history and placed fourth on the league record charts.

Roberts amassed 5,215 all-purpose yards in 45 games for the Bulldogs, as his average of 12.45 yards gained per attempt is the fourth-best figure in conference history. His average of 13.24 all-purpose yards per play as a junior placed Roberts sixth on the Southern Conference season-record chart.

His 108 points scored in 2008 are the second-highest season total by a Bulldog. Along the way, he has generated over 1,000 yards receiving twice. He became just the third player in school history to score over 200 points in a career, as his total of 246 rank second in Citadel annals.

At Spring Valley High School, Roberts earned All-Region and All-Area honors as a senior, as he led his team to the region championship and the semifinals for the state title. He added Most Valuable Player honors for his performance in the 2005 North-South All-Star game. In addition to his success on the gridiron, he also excelled in track-&-field, leading his team to the state championship in 2003 and a second-place finish as a senior, the season he captured track All-State recognition.

Roberts enrolled at The Citadel in 2005. The true freshman played in eleven games, starting vs. Furman and Virginia Military Institute at the "Z" receiver position. He finished second on the team with 35 receptions, with 19 of those grabs producing first downs. He gained 557 yards (15.9-yard average) to pace the Bulldogs, as he also led the squad with five touch-down grabs. Seven other key receptions set up touchdown drives and four other catches put the team into position to be successful on field goals. He also gained 43 yards on four carries (10.8-yard average) and averaged 10.7 yards on 18 punt returns.

Roberts gained national prominence as a sophomore, earning All-American third-team and All-Southern Conference second-team recognition. He set the school season-records with 78 receptions for 1,060 yards (13.6-yard average) that included ten touchdowns. His average of 7.09 catches per game ranked 10th in the nation and his average of 96.36 yards per game placed him eleventh on the NCAA FCS chart. He also finished 23rd in the nation with an average of 11.08 yards on 27 punt returns. He amassed 1,350 all-purpose yards and showed his field alertness by recovering a pair of fumbles.

The talented athlete also competed on the school's outdoor track team in 2007. He joined the squad in mid-March, after football spring camp, competing in the 200 and 400 meters. He also ran the anchor leg of the 4x100m relay team that won at the Penn Relays for the fifth consecutive time in Citadel history, earning his first Penn Relays Championship watch.

In 2008, Roberts' jack-of-all-trades skill-set made him the most dangerous offensive player on the field. In addition to his school season-record 14 touchdown catches, he had key receptions on all of the team's 23 TD scores. He shattered his own Bulldogs annual records with 95 catches (second in the nation) for 1,334 yards (14.0-yard average), the fourth-highest season total in Southern Conference history.

The All-American choice also finished second in the nation with 7.92 receptions per game, fourth nationally with 111.17 receiving yards per game and led the FCS ranks to capture the punt return championship with an average of 19.21 yards per attempt (24 total). His three punt returns for touchdowns tied the conference season-record. He also scored once on 24 carries for 94 yards, recorded three solo tackles and placed 14th in the country, leading the league with an average of 160.0 all-purpose yards per game.

Roberts entered his senior season ranked as the best offensive prospect in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision ranks and was listed as the most underrated receiver eligible for the 2010 draft at the FCS level by The NFL Draft Report. He ranks tied for ninth in the nation and placed third in the Southern Conference with an average of 7.20 receptions per game, averaging 71.1 yards per game receiving. He also ranked fourth in the FCS in punt returns, averaging 16.0 yards per attempt.

Opposing teams saw Roberts lined up everywhere from punt returner to "X" receiver to quarterback. Roberts again served as team captain in 2009. Despite a lack of a quality quarterback, with three players sharing that position, the senior still put up very impressive numbers. He ranked 13th in the nation with 77 receptions and placed fourth in the Southern Conference with 792 yards in 11 games. He pulled down eight touchdown tosses and returned 14 punts for 217 yards (15.5-yard average). He added 66 yards on three kickoff returns, 77 yards on 12 carries (6.42 yards per catch) and recorded a pair of solo tackles while amassing 1,152 all-purpose yards.

 

[Syracusecards]

Ugh, sorry but this pick ticked me off. If KW was still our QB I could understand this pick, but God help me if we go to 4 wr sets and leave Matt unprotected. I'm expecting at least one tight end in the game at all times this year to help chip block on passing downs. Levi can't handle a good DE by himself. Sure this guy is talented, but it doesn't fit a need and to waste a 3rd rounder on someone who might see the field at most 20-25% of the game on offense is nuts. You can get a return guy as a late rounder or UFA.

 

[DoTheDew]

As you say... you don't know.

Our drafting team obviously thought he'd be gone before our pick in the 4th.

Which is why I can say I'm happy he's still on our team. It would have been nice to get back a pick after giving one up earlier and still getting him if that were possible though, wouldn't it?

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I am and I have.



















He's worth it

Love the high lights but Im going to have to just trust you on this one. I was hoping for Bowman and had barely heard of this kid.