The New England Patriots added their tight end room and another project.
The Detroit Lions traded TE Michael Roberts in exchange for a 2020 conditional pick to the Patriots, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. The offer was declared by the Lions afterwards official.
The Detroit News’ Justin Rogers first reported the swap.
LATEST ANALYSIS
??? Team fits for top remaining FAs
??? Ranking deepest place groups
??? NFL triplets positions: Who’s No. 1?
??? NFC West primer: Camp questions ??? Rank: Can Redskins surprise?
A fourth-round pick in 2017, Roberts owned the dimension and red-zone manufacturing in college to project as a potential TD weapon. That potential materialized in Detroit.
“Good competition from the (TE) room at this time, so we had an chance to move on out of Mike and get something later on for this,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said when asked about the team’s choice to deal Roberts.
From actualizing his ability injuries hindered the 265-pound tight end. In two seasons with the Lions, Roberts compiled for 146 yards and three touchdowns. The TE showed promise last offseason, however, injury and he ended up playing with only eight games.
The Lions targeted tight finish upgrades this offseason, making T.J. Hockenson a top-10 pick and signing Jesse James into a significant contract. Detroit added Logan Thomas and seventh-rounder Isaac Nauta this offseason.
Roberts was running since the fourth TE during Lions’ offseason workouts, also given that the compensation was a long-shot to make the roll.
A roster hoping to piecemeal production to substitute Rob Gronkowski is now joined by the 25-year-old. New England’s TE room comprises Benjamin Watson (suspended four games), Matt LaCosse, Stephen Anderson, Ryan Izzo, Andrew Beck, and Roberts. After releasing Austin Seferian-Jenkins because of personal reasons, it is clear the Pats are throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks in an attempt help replace one of the most important mismatch benefits in NFL history.
Roberts has struggled as a blocker — did show small improvements before injury hit last season — and did not create as a pass-catcher in restricted time. Lack of development and his injuries were one motive Detroit. He heads to New England where he must get more chances to demonstrate growth.
If Roberts turns out to earn a small percent of the effect that the last flier the Patriots took to a washed-out Lions draft pick (Kyle Van Noy), New England is going to be pleased.
Read more here: http://ostyleshop.com/los-angeles-dodgers-at-arizona-dbacks-mlb-pick-august-30th/