Elijah Roberts, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' newest fifth-round draft pick, is creating buzz among fans and analysts alike. Known for his relentless motor, versatility, and production at the collegiate level, Roberts is rapidly emerging as a player to watch on the Buccaneers' defensive line. Let’s break down what makes Roberts a unique addition to Todd Bowles's squad and why his arrival signals an exciting future for Tampa Bay.

A Proven Disruptor on the Defensive Line

Roberts originally joined the University of Miami as a highly recruited prospect. However, limited opportunities pushed him to transfer to Southern Methodist University, where his career soared. At SMU, Elijah Roberts led all Division I players in quarterback pressures over the 2023 and 2024 seasons—accumulating a staggering 131 pressures, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 17.5 sacks. He also forced four fumbles, consistently demonstrating his disruptive capabilities (Bucs Nation).

Roberts’s leadership shone brightly as he became a team captain in 2024 and represented SMU at the East-West Shrine Bowl. His aggressive hand usage and ability to win from multiple alignments earned him respect across the American Athletic Conference and equipped him well for the professional ranks.

Versatility and Fit in the Buccaneers' Scheme

Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 285 pounds, Elijah Roberts possesses the size and power to play both inside and outside on the defensive line. At SMU, he moved all over the formation, enhancing his skills as both a pass rusher and a run stopper. With Todd Bowles's defensive creativity, this flexibility becomes a weapon. Roberts projects as a base end but could also shift to interior tackle in certain situations—giving the Bucs valuable depth, especially as veterans like William Gholston consider their futures (JoeBucsFan.com).

His athletic profile, while not elite, is solid for an NFL defensive lineman: a 4.78-second 40-yard dash, strong explosive metrics, and a 6.82 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) out of 10. More importantly, his game is built on power moves, leverage, and a fierce determination to beat blockers. Roberts’s ability to execute multiple pass rush techniques, such as the bull rush and inside counters, makes him hard to predict and exciting for the coaching staff.

What Fans Can Expect in 2025 and Beyond

Entering the NFL, Elijah Roberts is expected to fill an important rotational role. He likely won't start right away, but his production, toughness, and versatility suggest he will make a valuable impact from Day 1. Buccaneers fans should watch for him on passing downs, where his quick acceleration and strong hands could generate crucial pressures and stops. If he develops rapidly, Roberts may soon push for a starting spot and become a cornerstone of the defensive front.

Roberts’s attitude is as strong as his playing style. In his introduction to local media, he highlighted his eagerness to contribute in any way coaches need. That team-first mentality, coupled with high production, sets him apart from many mid-round prospects.

Building for the Future

The Buccaneers’ draft strategy in 2025 made headlines for its emphasis on proven production over pure athleticism. By bringing in players like Elijah Roberts, Tampa Bay has bolstered its depth and set the stage for future success. Alongside other new additions, such as dynamic receiver Tez Johnson, the Buccaneers are building a well-rounded, competitive roster.

For fans and analysts alike, Elijah Roberts’s journey from Miami to SMU and now to the heart of the Buccaneers’ defense is a story of perseverance, versatility, and upside. If his college success translates to the pros, Tampa Bay could have landed one of the steals of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Want to learn more about Roberts’ fit and potential? Check out this in-depth look from Bucs Nation and further analysis at JoeBucsFan.com.

The stage is set for Elijah Roberts to make his mark in Tampa. With hard work and opportunity, he could soon be a household name among NFL defenders.