Steelers to Host Versatile SMU Defensive Lineman for Pre-Draft Visit

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Steelers to Host Versatile SMU Defensive Lineman for Pre-Draft Visit

Chris Ward · Steelers Now

Mon, Mar 24, 2025 ·

3 min read

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SMU defensive lineman Elijah Roberts has a top-30 visit scheduled with the Pittsburgh Steelers , according to multiple reports . Roberts is a versatile defensive lineman, recording 17.5 sacks and four tackles for loss over the last two seasons.

Roberts, who stands at 6-foot-4, 285 pounds with 33 3/8-inch arms, posted a 4.78 40-time at the NFL Combine. He told reporters at his pro day that NFL teams can see him anywhere from outside linebacker to 3-tech.

Roberts appeared and started in 13 games for the Mustangs last season. He recorded a 91.2 grade by Pro Football Focus , which ranked tied for second highest of all edge defenders in the FBS. He had 35 tackles (17 solo), 7.5 sacks, tied for most on the team and fifth in the ACC.

In 2023, Roberts started in all 14 games, recorded 37 tackles (21 solo) and led the team in sacks with 10, which was good for second in the ACC and 17th in the NCAA.

Roberts played his first three seasons of college football at the University of Miami before transferring to SMU. He played in 20 games but only made one start with the Hurricanes from 2020-2022.

The Miami native was a four-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. He was ranked the No. 13 strong-side defensive end and No. 47 player in Florida by Rivals.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan discussed at his NFL Scouting Combine press conference that the team likely will be looking to make a splash acquisition on the defensive line, but that didn't occur in free agency. It would not be surprising if the Steelers addressed the position at 21st overall in the draft.

Roberts is projected to be a Day 2 or Day 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh is looking to replicate a similar blueprint to that of the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles , and the Steelers have made the trenches a point of emphasis since Khan and assistant general manager Andy Weidl were hired in 2022. The Steelers have spent five draft picks in the past two drafts in the third-round or earlier on positions all along the defensive and offensive lines.