RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Robert Royal (LSU) - 2002 NFL Draft Pick #160 by WAS

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Robert Royal (2002 NFL Draft)

College: Louisiana State University (LSU)

Position: Tight End

Height/Weight: 6'4" / 250 lbs

Strengths:

  • Pass-Catching Ability: Royal demonstrated solid hands and the ability to make tough catches in traffic.
  • Blocking Skills: He was known for his effectiveness as a blocker, showcasing physicality that was beneficial in both the run and pass game.
  • Versatility: Played in various offensive schemes at LSU, which equipped him with a well-rounded skill set.
  • Football IQ: His understanding of the game allowed him to read defenses and find soft spots in coverage.

Weaknesses:

  • Speed: Lacked elite speed to stretch the field, which could limit his impact as a deep threat.
  • Route Running: While effective, his route running needed refinement to create separation consistently.
  • Injury Concerns: Had a few minor injuries during his college career, raising questions about durability at the next level.

Overall Assessment:

Robert Royal was seen as a solid tight end prospect with a good blend of skills that could translate to the NFL. His ability to block and catch made him an attractive option for teams looking to enhance their offensive versatility. However, concerns about his speed and route running limited his projection as a top-tier tight end, positioning him as a later-round pick with the potential to develop into a reliable contributor.