Elijah Roberts Talks Family, Combine And Feeling Like He Made It
May 5th, 2025
Bucs rookie fifth-round pick Elijah Roberts, the versatile defensive lineman out of SMU.
So what is Buccaneers rookie Elijah Roberts all about.
Joe’s been sniffing around, which included a Mustang Mood Podcast episode.
The Bucs picked the versatile defensive lineman (think Will Gholston) in Round 5 out of Southern Methodist University. SMU was among the surprises in college football last season.
A beloved player there, Roberts sat down for a chat in March and Joe’s got some nuggets in no particular order.
*Roberts’ favorite part of the NFL Scouting Combine was being on the field and picking the brains of top prospects. Joe thought that was interesting since so many players mention meeting coaches in meetings.
*No-brainer for Roberts to attend the University of Miami out of high school as a local kid. But he says it also was a no-brainer to transfer to SMU, citing academics, alumni programs, playing time and overall school assistance off the field. He says SMU wanted him to be “that guy” on its defensive line and that’s what he wanted.
*He loved the coaching at SMU and how deeply his coached cared about him in all aspects of life. Roberts sounded like a guy far more impressed by his SMU experience than any other.
*Loved beating Florida State last season 42-16. He said it was SMU’s first ACC game of the 2024 campaign and let him know something special was happening for the team and for him. SMU finished 11-3 after a trip to the college football playoffs as the No. 11 seed.
*At the Combine, Roberts noted that being in the NFL players union orientation meeting made him feel like the NFL was “real” for him, like he really made it. “Man, I feel I’m in the league right now. It’s crazy because little stuff like that kind of gets you excited.” As for how the NFLPA counsels rookies, Roberts summed it up simply. “Just don’t be dumb,” he said.
*Roberts says his dad is “the biggest Cowboys fan in the world.” … “I’m talking about our whole household growing up was all Cowboys fans. It’s crazy.” Personally, Roberts said he was always more of a football fan in general than a Cowboys fan, though Roberts said he is a huge admirer of Micah Parsons’ game and made it clear he wouldn’t mind staying in Dallas (SMU’s home) to play for the Cowboys.
*Don’t expect a signature sack celebration from Roberts. He says he’s more of a screamer and a guy who will flex for the cameras.
May 5th, 2025 at 1:11 pm
Good luck kid.
May 5th, 2025 at 1:14 pm
With all the FA next year — Evans, LVD, Zion, Goedeke, Otton, Hall — Hall might be the guy that doesn’t get the bag.
Elijah Roberts could take over with a year under his belt. He was very productive at SMU. 17.5 sacks and 23 TFL in the last two years.
May 5th, 2025 at 1:31 pm
Seems like a quick insider rusher to me, replacing Hall on passing downs. I’m ready for Joe to see him in OTA’s and I’m ready to watch him in camp. LFG!
May 5th, 2025 at 1:39 pm
They compare him to Gholston but there are differences:
Gholston –> 40 = 4.96 secs / Total prospect score = 64
Roberts —> 40 = 4.78 secs / Total prospect score = 69
For what that’s worth… Elijah Roberts is a little quicker and more athletic.
May 5th, 2025 at 1:46 pm
He had a faster 40 than Gholston or Hall. He grades as a decent defensive end prospect but a really athletic tackle prospect. I like the fact they can move him around a bit. His versatility would be helpful to Bowles.
May 5th, 2025 at 1:54 pm
Kancey gonna go off so anything will help.
Don’t count out Hall either. Contract year.
He could come out Hulked Up.
May 5th, 2025 at 2:05 pm
We need all the help we can get on the defense.
The guy coaching that side is drunk at the wheel.
He’ll probably have Roberts dropping back in pass coverage against a WR1.
That’ll be fun to watch.
#FireBowlesNow
May 5th, 2025 at 2:20 pm
I don’t want Hulked Up Hall if he is only hulking up to get a contract.
And as for Gholston being less athletic than the rookie, I’d have to see it in the field. Gholston is damn near ROH.
May 5th, 2025 at 2:49 pm
Seems like a strong dude and better suited at the inside. He plays a little high but even then he outworks and muscles offensive lineman aside. Looks like he can shed blockers and keeps his eyes in the backfield. Lots of room for improvement but a very versatile defensive lineman who lined up on the edge for SMU quite a bit, but will probably line up inside for us. Not a lot of bend but plenty of power. Great replacement for Will Gholston who was a great Buccaneer.
May 5th, 2025 at 3:13 pm
I wouldn’t have guessed that he was a Barry Manilow fan.
May 5th, 2025 at 3:13 pm
@ToddBowles#1 Says: Super Bowl year we didn’t have our edge rushers dropping in to pass coverage because they could actually rush the passer when you don’t have people that can rush the passer you have to put them in a different scheme free up somebody else to rush the passer do a little film work before dumping On a guy that is dealing with Brady’s debt for the last couple years and a bunch of rookies and dumpster dived free agents
May 5th, 2025 at 3:19 pm
ToddBowles#1—
This is a true, honest question without prejudgement, not the prevalent kind you find here when someone labels you an idiot or moron (maroon once for me) if you fail to adopt their so-called mindset.
So, why would you call yourself Todd Bowles, a man (judging by your hashtag sign-off) you supposedly want fired?
I’m no fan of Mussolini, so the last thing I’d do is refer to myself as Il Duce in dictatorfan.com, but that’s me.
Please, share your rationale. I’m curious.
May 5th, 2025 at 3:20 pm
I’m so happy Licht took my advice.
2 corners. Brilliant. I love double drafting some years.
Competition for Hall. Much needed. I think he may be able to learn Kanceys position also. But he’s not a NT.
I’m also happy we signed Watson.
But I think we still need another NT.
Watson may not make the team guys.
He didn’t do that much in college.
I think Walker is strong enough to rush from inside like Aaron Donald.
I also want Vea getting more snaps at OLB. On the edge.
1 on 1 with the OT. At least twice per game.
If you drop Vea every game, the least you could do is let him rush from the edge a couple times per game!!
May 5th, 2025 at 3:26 pm
We got a crop of awesome humans, and a mosquito. Pretty darn good draft.
May 5th, 2025 at 3:39 pm
JA Says:
“Please, share your rationale. I’m curious.”
Excellent question sir. Very well thought out.
It’s really just a way for me to poke fun at the coach.
And to get on the nerves of the overly sensitive amongst us.
My opinion is that we will not reach our potential until he is shown the door.
“I’m no fan of Mussolini, so the last thing I’d do is refer to myself as Il Duce in dictatorfan.com” – Hilarious my friend. Gave me a good chuckle.
Curious to hear your thoughts on the draft and the defense. Cheers!
May 5th, 2025 at 3:56 pm
All this Gholston reference. What were gholstons college sack numbers? He’s always been a run stopper first and an occasional sack. This guy seems like way more pass rush upside.
May 5th, 2025 at 4:05 pm
just let one of our two DL/edge picks become a beastly qb eater and we will have done just fine…
i thought we would draft 2, and we did…
i never thought we’d draft 2 wr’s and 2 cb’s…
i had us drafting one of each tho…
but just let one of our new front line guys pan out…we’ve had so much difficulty developing one over the years…
just one is not asking for too much
May 5th, 2025 at 4:46 pm
Let not all lose our heads for this fifth round pick. I believe Logan Hall was a second round pick out of Houston and he hasn’t set the world on fire since being drafted.