SMU EDGE Elijah Roberts is among the most productive and experienced pass rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft. Roberts was downright dominant for the Mustangs over the previous two seasons, accumulating 17.5 sacks. He more recently impressed at the East-West Shrine Bowl, recording a sack in the game.
Roberts recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Roberts discussed his East-West Shrine showcase, his pass rush arsenal, transferring from Miami to SMU, and more.
JM: You were a standout performer at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl. You were a constant menace at practice, and you had a sack in the actual game. What was the overall experience like?
Elijah Roberts: It was a great experience. I felt super blessed and thankful for the opportunity. Eric Galko and his staff, I can't thank them enough for the recognition. They trusted me to come up there and compete.
It was great to go out there and compete with some of the top prospects in the nation. I had a lot of fun.
JM: What do you think you proved to general managers and scouts in attendance?
Elijah Roberts: I wasn't really trying to prove anything specific. I just wanted to show that I'm a quality football player. I know people have that tweener tag on me. Talking inside-outside flexibility, I'm just a football player at the end of the day.
You can line me up anywhere. I just play ball with terrific instincts and physicality. I have a lot of passion for the game. We weren't at the East-West Shrine for very long, but I think I highlighted my love for the game.
JM: You probably met with most teams at the East-West Shrine Bowl. That's standard practice. Did any of those team meetings particularly stand out? Which teams spent more time with you?
Elijah Roberts: It's tough to pinpoint any specific teams. I feel like a lot of my interviews went really well. Plenty of teams had great feedback on me. It was really interesting to hear what they thought about me.
Like I said before, having that “tweener” tag on me, it's just different. Being able to talk to teams and see where they see me playing, it was great to hear. I feel like every single interview went great.
I met with the Cowboys, Eagles, and about 28 other teams. The Falcons and the Giants were the only teams I didn't meet with I believe, and I think that was just due to a time crunch. We ran out of time.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. You totaled a combined 17.5 sacks in two seasons at SMU. How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal? What are your go-to moves and counters?
Elijah Roberts: I would describe myself as an effective pass rusher. When it comes to defeating blocks, it's tough to beat me one-on-one. You can't beat me in protection with one blocker. I'm very physical. I'm also twitchy. I have terrific hands, some of the best hands in this year's class.
I know how to attack different pass sets. I know how to attack horizontal sets or straight vertical sets. I know how to attack guys who jump-set at a 45-degree angle.
It depends on my opponent and who I'm going against. I switch up my arsenal as needed. I'm definitely a power rusher though. I feel like you have to start every game with power, just to let them know what kinda game it's gonna be against me.
After that, I just adjust to my opponent. That's how I approach it. I would describe myself as a pass rusher.
JM: You’re so much fun to watch rush the passer on tape. Are there any pass rushers you'd compare yourself to at the next level? Anyone you enjoy studying and learning from?
Elijah Roberts: I like to watch guys who have almost the same build as myself. At EDGE, that's bigger guys like Cameron Jordan and DeMarcus Lawrence. Interior guys who can play inside-outside like Braden Fiske and Chris Jones also come to mind. I love watching versatile players. I see myself fitting that mold.
I also like to watch great rushers, even if they're not alignment-flexible. Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, I love seeing what they're good at. I may not be able to mimic what they do, but I love learning and studying from different rushers.
JM: Now that you've had time to think about it, how do you reflect on the decision to transfer from Miami to SMU?
Elijah Roberts: It was great. That was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life, both from an on-field and off-field perspective. To this day, there are alumni connections that are helping me out throughout this pre-draft process. That was one of the best decisions I made.
SMU gave me an opportunity to flourish on the field. I didn't wanna be a depth guy. I wanted to be a starter and showcase what I'm capable of in college. You can't highlight your skill set if you're not playing.
That was the main thing for me. SMU felt like home. They gave me a chance to be a leader and a team captain, which I was this past year. They gave me opportunities to flourish both on and off the field.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. This has been such a fun conversation. When a team uses a draft pick on Elijah Roberts, what kinda guy are they getting?
Elijah Roberts: They're getting a high-character guy first and foremost. You never have to worry about me off the field. On the field, I love ball. I'll be in the facility as much as possible. I'm a leader.
I know it's tough to be a vocal guy as a rookie, but I'm eventually going to establish myself as a leader. I can't wait to learn the ropes from a veteran group. I'm excited to advance my game. I honestly feel like my best football is ahead of me.
You're going to get a heck of a football player, and an even better man.
