Bucs Gameday

BREAKING: Buccaneers select productive SMU defensive lineman in fifth round

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are adding a defensive lineman to the fold in SMU Mustangs lineman Elijah Roberts.
River Wells, JC Allen|
Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive end Elijah Roberts in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the California Golden Bears.
Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive end Elijah Roberts in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the California Golden Bears. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to stack up on defense, and now, they've brought in a defensive lineman to add to the ranks.

The Buccaneers drafted Southern Methodist University defensive lineman Elijah Roberts with the No. 157 pick in the NFL Draft. The fifth-round pick is Tampa Bay's fourth defensive player after selection an offensive player, wideout Emeka Egbuka, with the No. 19 pick in Round 1.

Roberts played as an edge rusher at SMU for the Mustangs, but he's a little big at 6'4", 278 — interestingly enough, he was listed as a defensive lineman by the Buccaneers' Twitter account, so with that in mind, expect him to kick inside. He was very productive at SMU, netting 17.5 sacks in his last two years. He's particularly fast for how big he is, running the 40-yard dash in 4.78 seconds.

With defensive lineman William Gholston potentially retiring, the Bucs can add a new depth piece to a defensive line rotation in an era where defensive fronts have become a point of emphasis in the modern NFL.

Here's what BucsGameday writer JC Allen had to say about Roberts in his pre-draft scouting report:

"Roberts wins with power and excellent technique as a pass rusher. He can be an immediate part of the rotations along the defensive line for the Bucs with his versatility to line up anywhere and create pressure. He likely fits the Bucs in a similar role to what William Gholston played last season, taking on those reps. Logan Hall is also in a contract year so bringing in a similar style player to develop behind him and still contribute in a rotational roll is good vale for the Bucs. Roberts led all FBS players in pressures, with 131, over the last two seasons."

READ MORE: Get to know Buccaneers third-round pick Jacob Parrish

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 offseason.

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River Wells
RIVER WELLS

River Wells is a sports journalist from St. Petersburg, Florida, who has covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2023. He graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Florida in 2021. You can follow him on Twitter @riverhwells.

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JC Allen
JC ALLEN

JC Allen has been covering the Bucs since 2020. He is credentialed reporter and writer for Sports Illustrated’s Bucs Gameday and is the VP of the PFWA Tampa Chapter. A transplant to the area, he offers unparalleled views and insights on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

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