Bradley Roby (born May 1, 1992) is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State. He has also played for the Houston Texans and the New Orleans Saints.
Early years
A native of Suwanee, Georgia, Roby attended Peachtree Ridge High School, where he was an All-State receiver and defensive back for the Lions program. He recorded 42 tackles and six interceptions along with 29 receptions for 526 yards as a senior. He scored 11 touchdowns: five on receptions, two on punt returns and one each via a rush and kick, interception and a fumble return. He was a four-time school scholar-athlete. He was also a standout basketball player.
In addition to football, Roby was on the school's track & field team. He won the 100 meters at the 2009 Region 7 AAAAA Championships, with a career-best time of 10.72 seconds, and also finished third in the 200 meters with a career-best time of 22.49 seconds. He also competed in long jump.
Regarded as a three-star recruit by ESPN.com, Roby was listed as the No. 42 athlete in the nation in 2010. Roby initially planned to sign his national letter of intent to play wide receiver at Vanderbilt, but later decided to change his mind after receiving interest from Ohio State to play defensive back.
College career
Roby attended Ohio State University from 2010 to 2013. After redshirting the 2010 season as a true freshman, Roby stepped up and started all 13 games at cornerback in 2011. He was tied for the team lead with three interceptions and also recorded 47 tackles. In 2012, Roby was the only defensive player in the nation in 2012 to score touchdowns three different ways (recovered a fumbled punt in the end zone vs. Miami; he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone vs. Indiana; and he intercepted a pass vs. Nebraska and returned it for a touchdown). He was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press, and first-team All-Big Ten while leading the nation in passes defended with 19. He added 63 tackles and two interceptions. In 2013, he was named first-team All-Big Ten after recording 69 tackles, 16 passes defended (T3rd in the Big Ten), three interceptions and two blocked punts.
On November 20, 2013, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer announced that Roby would be leaving school early to enter the 2014 NFL Draft.
Professional career
Roby was projected to be a first or second round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, but chose to instead return for his junior season. Roby was unable to participate in Senior Bowl or 2014 East–West Shrine Game after suffering a knee injury in December. He was one of 59 collegiate defensive backs to attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. Roby completed nearly all of the combine drills, but chose to skip the three-cone drill. He finished third among all defensive backs in the 40-yard dash, tied for fifth in the short shuttle, tied for 11th in the vertical jump, and tied for 13th in the bench press. On March 7, 2014, Roby attended Ohio State's pro day and opted to stand on his combine numbers and only perform coverage drills and the three-cone drill. Team representatives and scouts from all 32 teams attended Ohio State's pro day. On April 22, 2014, he was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence (See Personal life). During the draft process, Roby had private meetings and workouts with multiple teams, including the San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Cincinnati Bengals. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Roby was projected to be a first or early second round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked the fourth-best cornerback prospect by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, was ranked the fifth-best cornerback in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com, and was ranked the seventh-best cornerback by Sports Illustrated.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos selected Roby in the first round (31st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was the fifth cornerback selected in 2014. Head coach John Fox stated Roby likely fell due to character concerns. Prior to his OVI charge, Roby attended pre-draft visit with the Cincinnati Bengals and was told that they were going to select him with the 24th overall pick. He also received major interest from the San Diego Chargers after meeting with them multiple times. Both teams passed on him and drafted other cornerbacks. The Chargers selected TCU cornerback Jason Verrett (25th overall) and the Bengals drafted Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard (24th overall).