2017 NFL Draft Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report: Michael Roberts
By Ben Almquist
The Kansas City Chiefs may need to shake up the tight end position. Michael Roberts of Toledo could be a good option to help with that.
It’s easy to forget about the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs tight ends behind Travis Kelce. The star tight end is a show stealer on and off the field. However, the rest of the group needs to step up their production for the Chiefs offense. Michael Roberts of Toledo could be an option for KC to get more production there.
Apart from Travis Kelce, the only Chiefs tight end with any kind of production has been Demetrius Harris. However, even Harris has not been consistently reliable for Kansas City. Granted, the former basketball player has come a long way, but the KC offense needs more.
Neither Ross Travis or James O’Shaughnessy have contributed much of anything to the Kansas City offense. In fact, it would be a stretch to say that either has even challenged Demetrius Harris for the #2 spot on the roster. That is something that should be a red flag for the Chiefs front office.
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Getting more production from the tight end should be a priority for the Kansas City offensive coaches. That may require some new talent being brought to the roster. This year’s tight end class has a number of quality options available who may be what the Chiefs are looking for.
Michael Roberts – TE – Toledo
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As a senior this past year at Toledo, all Michael Roberts did was score touchdowns. The All-MAC tight end found the endzone 16 times in 2016. That is impressive production for anyone. Roberts has overcome a lot of adversity in his life, and his backstory is worth reading. The young man shows a lot of perseverance.
Michael Roberts is a prototypical tight end out of the old school mold. A big man with great hands. Moves quickly, especially for his size, and can create separation out of his breaks. Long arms and big hands that help him win contested passes. Shows up as a blocker in the run game. One of the few tight ends with in-line blocking experience.
The negatives on Michael Roberts are mostly in regards to his speed. Will often round off his cuts to try and make up distance. Overlooked due to not being the new mold kind of tight end. Willing blocker, but needs to be coached up on angles and technique.
Michael Roberts was an extremely productive player for the Toledo Rockets last year, and that’s what the Chiefs need. Over 80% of Roberts’s catches went for a first down or touchdown. Kansas City is sorely missing that from their depth tight ends. The fact that Roberts is also a willing and capable blocker should make him an attractive option for John Dorsey.
The Kansas City Chiefs could use some new life in their tight end group. The Chiefs offense revolves heavily around the production at that position. It only makes sense to be looking for playmakers. Even just a small amount of improvement would be a step in the right direction.