The San Francisco 49ers conducted a virtual pre-draft meeting with SMU defensive end Elijah Roberts, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

Melo describes Roberts as "dominant" over the past two seasons, highlighting his standout performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.


Roberts began his collegiate career at Miami in 2020 before transferring to SMU in 2023. As a senior in 2024, he recorded 35 tackles (11 for a loss), 7.5 sacks, a pass defensed, and two forced fumbles in 13 games, per Sports Reference.

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The defensive lineman posted elite grades in both of his seasons with the Mustangs, earning a defensive grade of at least 91.1 and a pass-rush grade of at least 90.7 each year. His 91.1 defensive grade in 2024 ranked fourth nationally among edge rushers, while his 60 pressures tied for sixth-most. In 2023, he ranked second nationally with 71 pressures.


"Roberts is a strong, well-built defensive lineman who has a lot of experience at different alignments," Pro Football Focus wrote. "He likely lacks the length, twitch and bend to be a full-time edge player, but his size and versatility could play well as a 3-4 defensive end who can move along gaps."

Over five collegiate seasons, Roberts amassed 93 tackles (26 for a loss), 18 sacks, four passes defensed, and five forced fumbles.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6'3 5/8", 285-pound lineman posted a 4.78-second 40-yard dash, a 31.5-inch vertical jump, and a broad jump of 9 feet, 8 inches. Additionally, Roberts boasts an arm length of 33 5/8 inches and hands measuring 10 1/4 inches.

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