The Eagles are doing their homework on defensive linemen in the upcoming NFL Draft
Following the departure of Milton Williams, the Philadephia Eagles will look to the NFL Draft to replenish their defensive line.
Philadelphia has historically built through the trenches and they will maintain that philosophy during this year’s draft process. According to Billy Embody of On3Sports, SMU DL Elijah Roberts has top-30 visits scheduled with the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Roberts, a projected Day 3 pick, spent his first three years at Miami (FL) before transferring to SMU and having two productive seasons as a starter. He appeared in 27 games over that span, recording 24 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
Here is Elijah Roberts’ scouting report via The Draft Network:
Elijah Roberts is a rugged, versatile edge defender whose impact on all three downs was impressive to study as such a large yet nimble athlete.
While Roberts is a strong and uber-productive pass-rusher during his time in college, his ceiling as a pass rusher is somewhat capped at this point in time unless he can develop more counters and secondary moves against stronger, more athletic NFL linemen that he’ll face. Additionally, while he plays with great effort, there are times when his change-of-direction skills and closing burst prevent him from finishing plays against more agile quarterbacks and ball-carriers.
Overall, Roberts projects as a rotational defensive lineman with starting potential in a system that values heavier, edge-setting defenders that can offer push on passing downs. Additionally, his combination of pass rushing prowess and athleticism to the fringe areas showcase a highly intriguing and mature prospect at the position that can win up and down the line of scrimmage.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio values versatility in his defense and Roberts can line up anywhere from the interior to the edge. Young players like Jalyx Hunt and Moro Ojomo have shown flashes of stellar player under Fangio’s tutelage, perhaps Roberts could be next.
