Bucs Draft DL Elijah Roberts In Round 5

Roberts is a unique prospect in that he was primarily an edge rusher in college, starting for two seasons at SMU after transferring in from Miami. At 6-foot-4, 285 pounds, he was a unique, big-bodied pass rusher off the edge. He was announced by the Bucs as a defensive lineman, though, which could mean he’ll be kicking inside to play tackle in Tampa Bay. He certainly has the frame and skill set to do so, even if he has minimal experience inside. Overall, 1,211 of his 1,530 snaps came outside the tackle.

As a pass rusher, Roberts into his strengths — both his long arms and power — in order to affect the quarterback. Roberts had 131 pressures over the last two seasons, which ranked No. 1 in the FBS. His range was inconsistent when working off contact against the run, but he certainly holds his own at the point of attack. And while power is the focal point of his game, he has good short-area quickness, which helps him against the run, too.

After growing up in South Miami, Roberts started his college career at Miami, though he struggled to make an impact with the Hurricanes during his three seasons in Coral Gables. He had just a half-sack and 1.5 tackles for loss in 20 games (one start) there before transferring to SMU in 2023.

With the Mustangs, Roberts rejuvenated his college career. He was a Second Team All-AAC selection in 2023, a season that saw him post 10 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed. Then, after SMU made the move to the ACC in 2024, he finished his career in Dallas with 7.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a pass defensed.

The versatility Roberts has to his game should help Bucs head coach and defensive play-caller Todd Bowles as he tries to get more out of his group in 2025, and his ability to get after the quarterback can help in the team’s efforts to improve its four-man pass rush this season.

Welcome to Tampa Bay, Elijah Roberts!