Patriots kickoff 2016: A look at Elandon Roberts
Today, we are marking 52 days until the New England Patriots open the 2016 season by checking in on the owner of the No. 52 jersey, rookie linebacker Elandon Roberts.
Size: 6-foot-1, 223 pounds
College: Houston
2015 stats (senior year at Houston): 142 tackles, six sacks, interception, five passes defended
NFL experience: Seven seasons
A proven leader in college, Roberts possesses many of the intangibles that the Patriots look for in their defensive players. He may not be the most athletic linebacker, but Roberts does have a nose for the ball carrier; he led the FBS with 88 solo tackles last season.
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Roberts is certainly a long shot to make the final roster considering his undersized stature for a linebacker at just 223 pounds, but you have to expect that he’s used to hearing that. Roberts has grit, and if he shows up well in training camp and the preseason, the Patriots may consider taking him onto the practice squad at the very least.
Recent installments in Patriots kick-off countdown profile series:
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Roberts will be competing against fellow rookies Kamu Grugier-Hill and C.J. Johnson along with veterans Ramon Humber, Kevin Snyder and Jonathan Freeny for the precious few spots behind Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower and Shea McClellin at linebacker. Grugier-Hill has generated more buzz than Roberts and appears to be much more athletic, so Roberts will have his work cut out for him along fellow rookies alone.
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So don’t go ahead and bet your mortgage on Roberts making the final team, but view him as a college prospect fully deserving of a chance in the pros after leading the FBS in solo tackles last year. He might not be a bad guy to stow away on the practice squad for a year.
Next: 10 Most Exciting Sophomore Pros on Pats Roster
Because there is currently no wearer of the No. 51 jersey, this series takes a break tomorrow. But be sure to stop by Musket Fire on Saturday morning as we count down 50 days until kickoff by profiling the owner of the No. 50 jersey, Rob Ninkovich.