One of the common themes this off-season will be about how the Detroit Lions need to revamp their defensive line. There’s no questioning that it’s something that needs improvement. Especially since key players such as Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill are returning from significant injuries.
We have no idea how either player will respond to those injuries. The hope is that they come back faster, stronger and better than ever. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
With that, we know the Lions should be on the prowl to add to their defense, specifically their defensive line. Let’s dive into a player that has really caught my eye and is shooting up my big board. That player is SMU defensive lineman Elijah Roberts!
Background Information:
- Listed as a 3-star recruit (24/7 Sports) from Columbus High School in Miami, Florida. Despite offers to Florida, West Virginia and others, he committed to Miami (FL).
- After three seasons with the Hurricanes, Roberts entered the transfer portal. He had multiple offers to a wide range of schools but he ended up transferring to SMU.
- Played football and basketball in high school. Was a forward and center in basketball. Through 18 games played as a senior in basketball, he averaged 4.3 PPG and 5.6 RPG.
- Through 27 games played for SMU, he recorded 72 total tackles with 24 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks.
- Suffered a hand injury in 2024 and missed game against Boston College.
Measurements:
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 290 pounds
Hand Size: 10 1/8″
Arm Length: 33 7/8″
Class: Senior (RS)
*All measurements confirmed via the 2025 Shrine Bowl*
Games Watched:
TCU (2024), Stanford (2024), Pittsburgh (2024), Clemson (2024)
Strengths:
- Can provide alignment versatility as a pass rusher.
- Good power rusher that can bull rush through offensive tackles.
- Able to execute and produce on T/E stunts.
- Looks to wrong-arm against pullers and split-zone blocks from tight ends.
- Does a good job anchoring against offensive lineman when stopping the run.
- Wins in a variety of ways with bull rush, long arm, ghost move, swim and double swipe move.
- Plays with good balance and burst when closing to the quarterback.
Weaknesses:
- Hand speed needs improvement — takes too long when rushing the passer.
- Needs to improve pursuit to the football. Has opportunities to clean up and doesn’t take advantage enough.
- First step explosiveness is lacking and can be a non-factor.
- Inside counters could get faster and more refined.
Overall / Fit in Detroit:
Every year, there’s a few prospects that catch my eye and I just can’t stop watching their film. That happened to be the case for SMU defensive lineman Elijah Roberts. After watching four of his games, I’m convinced that he’s one of the better defensive lineman from this class and he should end up being a top-75 pick when it’s all said and done.
Watching the tape, it’s clear that his game can translate to the next level.
SMU DL 5 Elijah Roberts just tossing the LT out of the club…👀😳 pic.twitter.com/d9lY7DrXYB
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) February 20, 2025
Roberts is not the most explosive or defined pass rusher. But he’s active, versatile and can win with power. His hands hit heavy and he appears to be at his best when countering inside by swiping the hands of the opposition or swimming over them.
There are times that his hand speed is not efficient and he’ll get locked out against an offensive lineman. However, teams should love his alignment versatility and the violent way he plays on the interior. Being able to align from a 3-tech to a tilt-7 will allow him to play for multiple defenses across the league. Meanwhile, he’s shown that he can execute line stunts in pass or run situations.
Playing like a wrecking ball is great but there are times that his pursuit angles and effort in pursuit needs improvements. Not being overly explosive could reduce the amount of times he gets to the quarterback. Fortunately, he makes up for it with his power, countering ability and balance.
He’ll consistently hold his own at the point-of-attack and if there’s further development with hand speed or explosiveness, he could become dangerous on all three downs. Most likely to be a rotational player to start his career, there’s certainly potential for Roberts to develop into more.
How does Elijah Roberts fit with the Detroit Lions?
As long as there’s no significant changes with what Kelvin Sheppard looks for in a defensive lineman compared to Aaron Glenn, then Roberts could be a perfect fit.
The Lions could use his versatility on any down and distance. In the past, they’ve shown that they value physical and powerful defensive lineman over the twitchy and explosive pass rushers. Being able to stop the run is important in Detroit. Roberts has shown that he can do that and has shown improvements as a pass rusher.
With how he plays from a two-point stance, the Lions could see value in him as their ‘SAM’ linebacker, at times. Again, he may not be the fastest to the quarterback, but he operates efficiently, and his battering ram style of play has been working. If the Lions are looking for a physical role player that could develop into more, then Roberts is the player for them.