The Cardinals finished day two of the NFL draft by selecting wide receiver Andre Roberts out of Citadel in the third round of the NFL draft. The move was surprising considering players like Ricky Sapp and Everson Griffen were still on the board at the time. Roberts does fill a need at wide receiver since the only clear starters are Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, and Early Doucet.
Roberts spent the last four seasons playing at Citadel where he served as the possession receiver. He has very good hands, only dropping six out of 383 passes thrown his way. Roberts' strongest asset is converting first downs. He converted 60.7% of his catches into first downs and 16.1% of his third down catches for first downs as well. He has superior speed and can seperate himself from defenders with his agility. He'll make circus-type catches and often makes them look easy. The Cardinals can best use Roberts on wide receiver screens, drag routes, or throwing down the sideline. Roberts is fearless after the catch, he'll fight for extra yards, and he's an aggressive blocker.
He is small for a wide receiver and needs to improve his blocking for the NFL. He needs to improve his route running technique but he does have strong work ethic and will learn what the coaches teach him.
Roberts should compete for punt returns right out of training camp. He led the nation with a 19.2-yard punt return average his junior year and also returned three for touchdowns. He's very elusive in the open field, has dangerous speed, and protects the football. Coach Ken Whisenhunt likely considered Roberts as he would fit perfectly in the wildcat offense the Cardinals sometimes run. Both Antrel Rolle and Anquan Boldin were the primary wildcat players last year and both left through free agency this offseason. What are your thoughts on Roberts and should the Cardinals have considered one of the defenders still on the board?