Everyone realizes that NFL general managers earn their paychecks with their level of success in the later rounds of the draft and uncovering those hidden gems that can push a team over the top. With the NFL’s scouting process in full swing and many names being brought to the forefront who weren’t exactly on the tip of anyone’s tongues when the collegiate season started, this segment called Under the Radar will continue to explore just what scouts find attractive about certain prospects who may be available beyond the glamour rounds of the draft.

A phenomenal showing at the Senior Bowl put Andre Roberts of Citadel on the map among NFL scouts when this kid put on a show against some of the nation’s best cornerbacks. His route running is at the top of this year’s class of receivers and his football IQ is in the upper echelon as well. Roberts just has a knack of uncovering himself by finding the voids in defenses, but the real special part of his game is when he has his hands on the ball in the open field. Some of the best plays during his collegiate career were electrifying kick returns or special displays of athleticism darting between defenders.

Among the drawbacks when it comes to this kid, his size has to be at the top of the list at just 5’10” and 189lbs. he is quite small. This may limit him to playing in the slot at the next level and with his refined route running skills that may not be such a bad thing. There are plenty of receivers in this year’s class with a loftier vertical leap and a faster top speed than Roberts as well which will weigh on his stock in comparative shopping for NFL teams. With all of that being said, many of his innate abilities cannot be taught and his value goes far beyond the lines as a quality character off of the field as well. It would be a great value for any team to find him still available in the early part of round 4 as a slot receiver capable of picking up the tough yards and moving the chains.

A number of names will be called during April’s NFL Draft that seem to be from out of left field, but don’t let Andre Roberts’ be one of them. Keep looking out for more Under the Radar players shooting up draft boards or quietly lurking in the depth of this class that could make a huge impact over the coming years on Sundays.

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