2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Elijah Roberts, Edge, SMU

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Elijah Roberts, #5
School (Code)	Southern Methodist University (TXMU)
DOB, Class Yr	Redshirt Senior
Height, Weight	6026, 278 lbs
40 Yd Dash	4.78
Position/Depth	EDGE/Starter
Honors/Captainship	PFF Championship Team of the Week (Dec. 5). All-AAC Second Team.
Season Viewed (yr)	2023
Games Watched	@Tulane, vs. North Texas, vs. Tulsa
Scout Name / Date	Justin Morrison, 08/19/2024

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2023	29 TOT, 18 SOLO, 11 AST, 9.5 SACK, 2FF, 2 PD
2022	9 TOT, 6 SOLO, 3 AST, (@University of Miami)
2021	8 TOT, 3 SOLO, 5 AST, 0.5 SACK (@University of Miami)
2020	1 TOT, 1 SOLO, 1 FF (@University of Miami)

Player Summary:

5th year player who played 3 years at The University of Miami before transferring to SMU last year. Raw DE with marginal height but has amazing upper body strength with a solid lower half that has the upside potential to be a dominant end in the future. Displays violent and quick powerful hands that shock lineman in the chest and instantly moves them back. Tough player who plays with a high motor on passing downs early in the game. Uses his speed to power consistently to bull rush lineman into the QB lap. Adequate at utilizing the cross-chop technique to defeat blocks. Not a bendy edge rusher. Can play with his hand in the dirt as 5 tech but is more comfortable standing up. Explosive at times when attacking the outside hip. Doesn’t let TEs block him out of the play. Great short-area quickness to get around OG quickly to get pressure on the QB. Needs to display more pass rush moves in his repertoire. Solid at setting the edge and keeping things inside. Pad level can get high at times and gets pushed back easily on power runs. Needs to show that he can be a 3 down lineman and not just on passing downs.

Scheme Fit:

Versatile edge rusher who can play standing up or hand in the dirt.

Power Statement:

Elijah Roberts is a raw DE with great upper body strength and who can cause havoc in the backfield. Pass rushes at a high rate with his speed to power but still needs to add more to his game to really be effective at the next level. With his competitive motor it is going to take him a long way just needs to have it every play and not take plays off.  Stopping the run is something he is going to have to improve if he wants to be a complete edge rusher.