FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- A few quick thoughts on the New England Patriots' initial seventh-round pick.
The pick: Darryl Roberts, cornerback, Marshall (247th overall)
My take: The 5-foot-11, 187-pound Roberts has high-end speed, as he was timed in the 4.3 range in the 40-yard dash at his pro day and also had a 39-inch vertical leap and 23 repetitions on the bench press. Those type of athletic traits are worth taking a flier on at this point in the draft. If Roberts shows he can contribute on special teams in a coverage role, that would be his first ticket to earning a roster spot.
Overlooked for combine: Roberts was a combine snub despite making 42 career starts, second most among cornerbacks in Marshall history.
Cornerback depth chart: With 2014 starters Darrelle Revis (Jets) and Brandon Browner (Saints) now playing elsewhere, there will be plenty of attention placed on the cornerback spot. Roberts projects as more of a development type at this juncture, and slides to the bottom of the depth chart that includes Malcolm Butler, Bradley Fletcher, Kyle Arrington (slot), Logan Ryan, Alfonzo Dennard, Robert McClain, Chimdi Chekwa, Dax Swanson and Justin Green.
