2016 NFL Rookie Predictions: Paul McRoberts is a project with promise
Bench presses have been counted, cone drills have been clocked, and tape has been reviewed. While NFL scouts have been scribbling in their notebooks for months, fantasy owners are just now examining this year’s incoming class. Over the next two weeks, I’ll be breaking down some under the radar prospects at QB, RB, and WR. Once April arrives, we’ll tackle the big names. All of this in the hopes of keeping fans of the virtual game fully informed and a step ahead of the competition. Our first wide receiver under the microscope: Southeast Missouri State’s Paul McRoberts.
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College Highlights: McRoberts is arguably the most athletically accomplished Redhawk in university history. In addition to playing basketball his sophomore year, the St. Louis native broke numerous gridiron related records. From 2012 – 2015, McRoberts hauled in 29 receiving scores and posted four 100-yard receiving games, besting the school’s all-time career record in both categories. This past year he achieved a 76-940-9 stat line, which earned him first-team All Ohio Valley Conference player honors. Listed in Southeast’s annals as the third-most productive WR ever, McRoberts closed out his CFB career with 2,435 receiving yards.
Pluses: At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, McRoberts isn’t thick, but he is tall. Long arms and big hands provide him with a desirable catch radius and allow him to high point the ball with zeal. While he’s not a brute, McRoberts is a physical player who can juke past defenders by utilizing his basketball background. Whether it’s a double move at the line of scrimmage or a spin through traffic, the 23-year-old fights for every yard. He’s also an adequate blocker and has experience as a return specialist.
Minuses: Lacking top end speed, McRoberts can struggle to create separation. His route tree is far from varied and he tends to lose steam when not near the end zone. While he can stretch high to catch tall lobs, he has trouble with lower thrown balls, sometimes bobbling them or allowing them to hit his toes. Although wonderfully productive in college, his numbers came against smaller schools with a lower level of competition. He also missed five games in 2014 due to a lisfranc fracture.
Pro-Comp: Marvin Jones
Team Fits: Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals
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Fearless Forecast: Admittedly off my radar until late January when he was called up to replace Josh Doctson (writst) at the Senior Bowl, McRoberts took full advantage of the opportunity. Catching some big balls, including a touchdown pass at the end of the second quarter, the long-strider showed off his uncanny ability to high point and pluck the pigskin. A tall receiver in a draft class full of shorter talent, McRoberts’ size could give him a distinct advantage come draft day. He’s an intriguing specimen with a lot of raw athleticism, but without blazing speed he’ll need to grow into a savvy route runner. A project for both real-life and fake football teams, he’s unlikely to make an immediate fantasy impact. However, if given the chance to grow he could develop into a No. 2 WR and eventually reward FF enthusiasts with WR3 production. Dynasty owners will want to keep a close eye on his landing spot and usage during training camp.
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