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Don’t forget about Darryl Roberts

By Connor Fulton

Oct 25, 2014; Huntington, WV, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd defensive back Darryl Roberts (7) deflects a pass intended for Florida Atlantic Owls tight end Nate Terry (80) in the second quarter at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2014; Huntington, WV, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd defensive back Darryl Roberts (7) deflects a pass intended for Florida Atlantic Owls tight end Nate Terry (80) in the second quarter at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Darryl Roberts
Oct 25, 2014; Huntington, WV, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd defensive back Darryl Roberts (7) deflects a pass intended for Florida Atlantic Owls tight end Nate Terry (80) in the second quarter at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /

At this time last year, everybody and their mother was wondering how the New England Patriots would address the massive personnel losses at cornerback. Surprisingly, the Patriots waited until the seventh round to pick a cornerback, Marshall product Darryl Roberts.

RELATED: Reordering CB depth chart after E.J. Biggers signing

Roberts turned heads throughout training camp, displaying the coverage ability and ball skills that enticed the Patriots to draft him. Unfortunately, a wrist injury suffered in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers ended Roberts’ promising rookie season before it could begin.

Fully healed, Roberts is primed and ready to make up for lost time and become a regular contributor in the Patriots’ secondary. As we inch closer to training camp, don’t forget about the sophomore pro.

RELATED: Darryl Roberts turning heads at training camp

Roberts will be contending with a slew of defensive backs to retain his roster spot, including newcomer E.J. Biggers, returners Justin Coleman and Rashaan Melvin and any other 2016 prospects the Patriots add through the draft or undrafted free agency.

An advantage Roberts holds over all of those players is that he knows what a Patriots training camp looks, feels and smells like; Coleman and Melvin were in-season additions to the roster.

RELATED: 6 CBs Patriots may consider in the 2016 NFL Draft

Measured between 5-foot-11 and 6-foot, Roberts is as tall as starters Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan. He is as likely to earn No. 3 duties as any of the other depth cornerbacks on the roster, and in the Patriots’ defensive scheme, the nickel corner is essentially a starter since they use that formation so regularly.

As long as he can stay healthy, Roberts stands a favorable chance to make the final roster. He flashed magic in 2015 training camp, leading this writer to believe that he can be a trusted cog in the Patriots’ defensive machine this season.

Next: 6 WRs Pats should consider in 2016 NFL Draft

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

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