A player selected late in the sixth round of the draft isn't a sure-fire lock to make the team, but in Houston linebacker Elandon Roberts (214th overall), the Patriots landed a productive tackler who could add depth for the future.
My take: Roberts' 88 solo tackles led FBS in 2015, which reflects a nose for the football. He was viewed as one of the Cougars' leaders on and off the field, and is projected by some as a traditional first- and second-down type linebacker who is better against the run than in the passing game. His performance on special teams will play a big factor in his chances of making the Patriots, but he appears to have the type of intangibles that make him worthy of competing for a spot.
Where does he fit: The top part of the Patriots' linebacker depth chart is locked in with Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Shea McClellin, so Roberts will be competing against players such as Jonathan Freeny, Jonathan Bostic, Ramon Humber, Tony Steward, James Vaughters and Kevin Snyder.
