Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Elijah Roberts (SMU) - 2025 NFL Draft Pick #157 by TB

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Pre-Draft Analysis: Elijah Roberts - SMU

Position: Defensive Tackle

College: Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Overview

Elijah Roberts has emerged as one of the top defensive tackle prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his explosive first step and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, Roberts combines athleticism with a high football IQ, making him a valuable asset for any defensive line.

Physical Attributes

• Height: 6'4"
• Weight: 290 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.85 seconds
• Bench Press: 30 reps

Strengths

• Quickness: Roberts possesses impressive lateral quickness, allowing him to evade blockers and penetrate into the backfield.
• Strength: His ability to shed blocks and maintain leverage makes him a formidable force against both the run and the pass.
• Football IQ: Displays excellent awareness and understands offensive schemes, enabling him to anticipate plays and react quickly.
• Versatility: Can play both the 3-technique and 5-technique positions, providing defensive coordinators with multiple options.

Areas for Improvement

• Consistency: Needs to show more consistency in his performance, especially against double teams.
• Pad Level: At times, he plays too high, which can lead to leverage issues against stronger offensive linemen.
• Pass Rush Moves: While he has a solid bull rush, expanding his pass-rushing arsenal will make him even more effective.

Draft Projection

Elijah Roberts is projected to be a solid second-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and skill set makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their defensive front. With continued development and refinement of his technique, Roberts has the potential to become a standout player in the NFL.

Final Thoughts

As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Elijah Roberts to see how he performs in workouts and interviews. His upside is significant, and if he can address his areas of improvement, he could very well exceed expectations at the next level.