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Evaluating roster chances of every Patriots draft pick

By Connor Fulton

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) runs the ball on a punt return for a touchdown as Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Collin Caflisch (57) defends during the third quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) runs the ball on a punt return for a touchdown as Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Collin Caflisch (57) defends during the third quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots draft Elandon Roberts
Nov 7, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Elandon Roberts (44) celebrates after a play against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the third quarter at TDECU Stadium. The Cougars won 33-30.Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6, Pick 39 (No. 214 overall) – Elandon Roberts

The lowdown: Described as a “coach’s dream”, Roberts possesses intangibles that the Patriots love, such as his demonstrated leadership abilities on and off the field. Also of note: Roberts led the entire FBS with 88 solo tackles in 2015. That’s nothing to sneeze at. He’s not the most athletic linebacker by any means, but Roberts plays with heart and loves to tackle ball carriers.

Where he could fit: Facing an uphill battle to crack the lineup as a linebacker, Roberts’ only path to the roster (or even practice squad for that matter) is through special teams, much like fellow 2016 draft pick Grugier-Hill. Who knows, maybe that knack for tackling will shine through in training camp and Roberts will force the Patriots to retain him, but it looks like special teams is his only hope.

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Who he will be competing against: For special teams, the same guys as Grugier-Hill. However, unlike Grugier-Hill, Roberts doesn’t possess much in the way of speed or athletic ability.

Roster chances: 2/10. Roberts is a long shot to make the roster from a personnel standpoint. Hopefully, he is able to salvage a demotion to the practice squad and make an impact in the event that injuries arise over the course of the season.

Next: No. 221 overall - Ted Karras

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