Roberts’ athletic profile is exactly what the Packers are looking for in a defensive end.
Last season showed that the Green Bay Packers are in dire need of another pass rusher. This season, they met with several in preparation for this year’s draft. Among them, they met with the 6’4” and 285-pound Elijah Roberts out of SMU, who established himself as one of the most feared defensive linemen in the ACC.
After transferring from Miami in 2022, the Miami native quickly became the heart of SMU’s defense, combining raw power, explosive athleticism, and relentless effort to disrupt opposing offenses.
Roberts’ background
Roberts grew up in a large South Miami family, and his football journey began at age 10. In high school, where he won a state championship as a senior, the four-star recruit initially committed to Miami. After three quiet seasons at Miami, Roberts reunited with former Hurricanes offensive coordinator-turned SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee, where he blossomed into an NFL prospect through relentless work ethic.
Roberts’ move paid off, as he broke out in 2023 with 10 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, earning him second team all-AAC after that season. He added 7.5 sacks and 11 TFLs as a senior last fall.
Measurables
Roberts’ athletic profile reveals an intriguing blend of size, explosiveness, and versatility that should translate well to the NFL. At 6’4” and 285 lbs, he has prototypical defensive end dimensions with 33 3/4” arms—long enough to control blockers and set a strong edge.
He does not have an elite RAS score (6.84), but he has excellent size and good speed and quickness. His 4.78-second 40-yard dash suggests above-average burst off the snap, while his 1.67-second 10-yard split places him in the 66th percentile for NFL defensive linemen, highlighting his quick first step.
Where Roberts stands out most is in his technical refinement and motor. His hand usage and pass-rush counters (swim, rip, bull-push) are advanced for a mid-round prospect, compensating for any lack of elite bend. His bench press numbers (22 reps at 225 lbs) suggest adequate upper-body strength, though improving his core power could help him anchor better against double teams.
Teams will also value his durability—he played over 1500 snaps in two seasons at SMU without major injury concerns. While he may not test as a top-tier athlete, Roberts’ polished technique, relentless pursuit, and ability to reduce inside on passing downs make him a high-floor rotational DE with starter upside in a scheme like Green Bay’s, where effort and fundamentals are prioritized over pure athleticism.
Breakout 2024 Season
After a 10-sack performance in 2023 season, Roberts took his game to another level in SMU’s inaugural ACC campaign last fall. Starting all 12 games, he racked up 7.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles, proving he could dominate against Power 5 competition.
His signature performance came in a statement win over rival TCU, where he recorded one sacks and two TFLs, and one forced fumble, showcasing his ability to take over games. He had multiple other games where he recorded at least two sacks as well.
What makes Roberts special is his well-rounded skill set. He wins with a lightning-fast first step, heavy hands to shed blocks, and the motor to chase down plays from behind. NFL scouts have taken notice, with many projecting him as a mid-round draft pick in 2025. Currently, Roberts is ranked 128th on the consensus draft board, which would project him around the 4th round.
Bottom Line
Beyond his on-field production, Roberts is a respected leader in SMU’s locker room, known for his work ethic and football IQ. Off the field, he volunteers his time at a non-profit that brings awareness to domestic violence.
With SMU’s rise in the ACC, Roberts has proven he belongs among the nation’s best pass rushers. As he prepares for the NFL, his combination of production, athleticism, and intangibles make him a prospect to watch. Elijah Roberts isn’t just a standout player—he’s the embodiment of SMU’s resurgence. And his best football is still ahead.