The New England Patriots have drafted former Marshall CB Darryl Roberts in the seventh round (247th overall).
NFL.COM ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS:Â Impressive recovery speed with shortÂ-area twitch to go with it. Can change directions on command and has desired stop/start quickness. Has long arms and is aggressive with them in press coverage. Will look to pop receivers rather than just touch them at line of scrimmage. Will sniff around on plays outside of his responsibility looking to make a play. Has length, speed and ball skills to challenge most down-field throws. Core cover player on special teams. Has physical tools defensive backs coaches covet. See what he hits in run support and doesn't throw himself wildly at ball carriers.
WEAKNESSES:Â Willing to take too many physical liberties with receivers down the field. Penalized 6 times for 71 yards in 2014 including three pass interferences. Needs to play with more bend in backpedal to maximize body control and transition quickness. Inconsistent defensive awareness. Will allow an occasional throw in front of him or a running back to blow by him without being ready. Gets impatient and undisciplined in mirror-Âand-Âmatch situations despite his tools.
DRAFT PROJECTION:Â Round 6 or 7
BOTTOM LINE:Â Will get crossed up in coverage and needs to play with better discipline and overall awareness, but his length and recovery speed allow him to challenge more throws than some of the cornerbacks who will be drafted ahead of him. He could use more time in the weight room, but has the overall size and speed to project as an eventual starting cornerback if his game develops and he takes coaching over the next couple of seasons.
