The Arlington Renegades add some more firepower to their offense by bringing in a tight end to help from the XFL Combine workouts.
The XFL announced Wednesday that the 28 players’ rights were claimed by the teams after their workouts at the combines they hosted. Arlington claimed just one player from the workouts as they are bringing in tight end Tyler Roberts.
Roberts showed off her versatility early in his college career as he originally played linebacker/defensive back in the 2018 season where he was named NE10 All-Rookie Team for Merrimack College. He would record 56 tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in ten games played. In 2019, made the transition to tight end and played in that position for four seasons.
His best season at tight end came in 2021 where he caught 52 passes for 535 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games played. Roberts’ performance earned him NEC First Team All-Conference honors and was a selection for All-New England as well. He finished his college career with 68 receptions for 724 yards and eight touchdowns in five seasons.
While going undrafted in this year’s NFL Draft, Roberts did get a mini-camp invite from the Kansas City Chiefs. He was one of the many players who participated in the XFL Combine in Arlington, Texas last month. His workout impressed the Renegades enough to bring him on as one of their tight ends.
Arlington currently has four tight ends on the roster including Sal Cannella, Nate Becker, and Shaun Beyer. Cannella has been getting multiple looks at NFL teams for tryouts throughout the summer after leading the team in receptions (42) and yards (415). Becker added eight catches for 67 yards and a touchdown during the regular season as well.
Roberts’ toughest competition will be battling for the third tight end roster spot with Beyer. The 2021 season for Roberts is the best indicator of what kind of player the Renegades are getting as he proved that he can be a reliable pass catcher. Arlington will need him to be a good blocker so if he can handle both duties, he can earn a roster spot on the team. The Renegades get younger and add more depth to the tight-end position.
