Three of the 10 players drafted from the AAC in the 2016 NFL Draft hail from Houston, including first-round selection (No. 24 overall) William Jackson III. Let’s analyze how each player might fare at the next level as they adjust to life in the NFL.
1. William Jackson III (CB) – Round 1, No. 24, Cincinnati Bengals
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William Jackson III is headed to the @Bengals #NFLDraft #HTownTakeover @UHCougarFB pic.twitter.com/pRJHOQXzlo
— American Football (@American_FB) April 29, 2016
Earlier this year, the Bengals re-signed Pro-Bowl CB Adam Jones, but have yet to re-sign his backup Leon Hall. It seems increasingly likely that Hall will end up with the New York Giants next year. With Jones and Dre Kirkpatrick cemented as starters, look for Jackson to replace Hall and play right-side cornerback behind Jones. While Jones is a force, he is 32 years old and there is a chance that Jackson could see significant playing time as a rookie.
2. Elandon Roberts (LB) – Round 6, No. 214, New England Patriots
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Roberts does not quite enter a secure position like his former teammate, William Jackson III, as New England is fairly deep at linebacker. Roberts’s direct competition to making the roster will be second-year linebackers Tony Steward (a free agent pickup) and Kevin Snyder. Jon Bostic is returning from injury and will also battle for a backup spot.
If Roberts has an outstanding preseason, he could potentially move all the way to backup behind Dont’a Hightower. Still, he will likely be kept as a special teams player and reserve or be signed to the practice squad to allow him ample time to develop.
3. Demarcus Ayers (WR) – Round 7, No. 229, Pittsburgh Steelers
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With the 229th pick in the 2016 #NFLDraft, we select WR Demarcus Ayers. #SteelersDraft pic.twitter.com/aFloWddS5H
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 30, 2016
Like Elandon Roberts and the Patriots’ linebacker depth, Demarcus Ayers comes into a crowded Steelers receiving corps. Also like Roberts, Ayers has his best shot at making the team through special teams play, where the Steelers have plans for him as a punt returner.
Good news for Ayers, the Steelers trend toward smaller and faster receivers, giving him a better shot at making the team. Four of the wide receivers on the roster for Pittsburgh other than Ayers are under 6-foot, including starter Markus Wheaton (5-foot-11). Ayers will be competing with second-year receivers Issac Blakeney, Levi Norwood, Tobais Palmer, and Shakim Phillips for a roster spot.
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