It took until the sixth round and the 200th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, but the Patriots finally addressed the front seven on defense with the selection of Northwest Missouri State defensive lineman Sam Roberts.
Hailing from the Division II program, Roberts marked the third of New England’s draft picks – joining first-round pick Tennessee-Chattanooga guard Cole Strange and fourth-round South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong – to come from below the FBS level.
The 24-year-old Roberts is a 6-5, 293-pound big man who showed the ability to get after the quarterback with 18.5 sacks over his career as an interior rusher.
--Roberts blocked five kicks during his college career (three field goals and two PATs), something that should appeal to Bill Belichick’s affinity for players contributions on fourth down.
--Not invited to the Combine, Roberts ran a 5.10 40 at his pro day.
--Roberts was originally recruited out of Waynesville (Mo.) High School as an offensive lineman, but flipped to the defensive side of the ball where he started 38 of 50 career games played.
--Roberts missed 2020 when the season was cancelled due to Covid.
--He started all 13 games he played last fall and finished with career highs in tackles (61), tackles for a loss (18) and sacks (6.5).
--The Athletic projected Roberts as a priority free agent, despite his “hulking build” and “pass rush predicated on power with his heavy hands, forceful rip moves and bully tactics.”
--Roberts won the 2021 Cliff Harris Award, given to the top non-Division I defensive player in the country.
