Home NFL Elijah Roberts, A New Weapon for the Buccaneers Front Seven

Buccaneers EDGE Rusher Elijah Roberts / via Instagram

Elijah Roberts, A New Weapon for the Buccaneers Front Seven

April 28, 2025

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Tampa Bay relies on physical strength with Elijah Roberts

With the 157th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft , the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected versatile SMU defensive lineman Elijah Roberts . With this addition, the Bucs continue to bolster their defensive backfield, looking to add strength, versatility, and a physical presence to their front seven.

Roberts, who began his career at Miami before transferring to SMU, made his mark on the college game, racking up 17.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss over his final two seasons. He was named All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2024 thanks to his ability to impact both the running game and the pass rush.

His profile combines brute strength, consistent effort, and the ability to play in a variety of positions along the defensive line. This fits perfectly into Todd Bowles’ defensive schemes.

How does Elijah Roberts play?

Elijah Roberts’ Strengths

Physical Power: His natural strength allows him to anchor well against the run and push tackles into the pocket.
Lineup Versatility: Can play as a closed EDGE or move inside in pass packages.
Hand Use: Knows how to use his hands to get past blockers and clear his path to the ball.
Unstoppable Effort: Never gives up on a play, chasing from the backside to the end.
Game reading: Diagnoses blocks and offensive trajectories well.

Areas for improvement

Initial Explosiveness: He lacks that elite first step to win with pure speed on the edge.
Pass rush plan: You need to refine your secondary moves so you’re not relying solely on strength or a first move.
Change of direction: Against mobile quarterbacks, he may struggle to close angles if he doesn’t gain speed.

How does Elijah Roberts fit into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Roberts joins the Buccaneers

Elijah Roberts joins the Buccaneers to bolster the defensive line. He arrives to bolster a defensive line that Bowles wants to be more robust and flexible. His ability to play as a heavy edge rusher or as an interior pass rusher will be key to finding a spot in the rotation.

In Bucs fashion, Roberts can be the player who seals the edge against the run while also providing interior pressure in sub-package formations. His profile of tireless effort, physical strength, and versatility is reminiscent of the type of players who have been successful in this system.

Initially, his role will be as part of the defensive rotation, but if he develops more counters to his pass rush, he could become a solid starter in a year or two. His style fits perfectly with the aggressive, physical mentality that defines Tampa Bay’s defense.