The Patriots dipped into the Division-II ranks with the hopes of finding a hidden gem when they drafted defensive tackle Sam Roberts out of Northwest Missouri State with pick 200 in the sixth round.
Roberts was one of the best small-school prospects in the draft. Last season, he earned the 2021 Cliff Harris Award, which is given to the best small-college defensive player in the nation. The 6-foot-4, 293 pounder finished with 6.5 sacks, 61 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Roberts was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year.
Roberts, who was a captain, was also a force on special teams where he blocked five kicks (three field goals and two extra point attempts in his career.