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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jacob Roberts, LB, Wake Forest

Jacob Roberts made an immediate impact on the Wake Forest defense this year, transferring from North Carolina A&T. Hula Bowl scout Justyce Gordon breaks down Roberts as an NFL Prospect in his report.
Jacob Roberts made an immediate impact on the Wake Forest defense this year, transferring from North Carolina A&T. Hula Bowl scout Justyce Gordon breaks down Roberts as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #Jacob Roberts, #40
School (Code)Wake Forest University (NCWF)
DOB, Class Yr9/20/2001, 4th Year Senior
Height, Weight6000, 233 lbs
40 Yd Dash4.74e
Position/DepthLB
Honors/Captainship2019 2nd Team All-MEAC honors, 2019 Hero Sports 1st Team All-America honors, 2019 Celebration Bowl Defensive MVP, 2021 2nd Team All-Big South honors and 2022 2nd Team All-Big South honors.
Season Viewed (yr)2023
Games WatchedElon, Georgia Tech & Vanderbilt 
Scout Name / DateJustyce Gordon, 10-14-23

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

202243 solo tackles (72 total), 5.5 TFL, 5 PD’s, 2 Int’s, 2 blocked kicks & 1 FR in 11 games
202138 solo tackles (84 total), 12 TFL, 5 sacks, 4 blocked kicks, 1 Int & 1 PD in 11 games
2020*Covid Canceled Season
201938 solo tackles (62 total), 12 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 4 PD’s and 2 Int’s in 10 games

Player Summary:

Jacob Roberts is a 5th Year Senior who spent his first 3 collegiate seasons at North Carolina A&T, and recently transferred to Wake Forest for the 2023 season. Roberts possesses overall average height but a good frame for his position. Roberts is very good in run support as he displays very good instincts, very good gap leverage ability on the interior as well as overall good gap leverage ability on the perimeter. He displays good stack-shed ability inside and out and shows a very good ability to tackle runners between gaps and in space. Overall solid pursuit/range as he possesses solid speed to get sideline to sideline well. Underrated coverage ability, possesses a very good ability to match/mirror in Zone, and shows really good instincts in Zone when playing QB’s eyes. Overall solid transition quickness in space to stop and start when closing on the ball. Roberts displays good ball skills as well, shows good timing on PBU opportunities & good hands to make plays on the ball. Although Roberts shows a good ability to work through blocks, he shows average flexibility to work around and dodge blocks both inside and out. Roberts also possesses about average physical strength at POA, won’t win with a bull rush, and can struggle to get through bigger bodies in run support. Roberts shows adequate ability in Man coverage, can struggle to match/mirror vs quicker backs and possesses adequate route rec in Man as well.

Scheme Fit:

Mike/Sam LB in a 4-3 defensive scheme.

Power Statement:

Although not the most physically gifted, Jacob Roberts fits the mold of today’s modern LB and is a very well-rounded player. Roberts produces both vs the run and in coverage while also providing great special teams versatility as he led the nation in blocked kicks in 2021, tallying 6 total in college. Jacob Roberts possesses legit starter potential at the next level and even has the potential to develop into one of the better LBs on his team and maybe even the entire league.

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