Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Change of direction ability appears labored on tape, particularly when attempting to flatten around the corner or redirect in space – athletic testing confirmed lateral agility limitations.
• Processing speed against complex run schemes needs development, as he was consistently fooled by misdirection and counter plays that left him out of position against better competition.
• Tackling consistency remains concerning despite his power, with a troubling 21% missed tackle rate over two seasons at SMU that primarily stems from poor technique in space.
• Pass rush plan lacks variety against technically sound tackles, relying too heavily on power moves without developing complementary counters to keep blockers guessing.
• First-step explosiveness is merely adequate, lacking the twitch to consistently threaten the edge without perfect timing – his wins come through power rather than pure athleticism.

Scouting Report: Summary

Roberts belongs in a 3-4 defense as a base end where his 285-pound frame and power at the point of attack will cause problems for opposing tackles in limited packages. His film at SMU reveals flashes of dominance when firing off with his hand in the dirt, but inconsistency against higher-level competition suggests a developmental trajectory. During SMU's game against Boston College, he showed spatial awareness on interior stunts, slipping between guards and centers to collapse the pocket – but these impact plays were scattered between lengthy stretches of neutralized reps where his technical limitations were exposed.

When forced to change direction or pursue outside the tackle box, Roberts struggles significantly to redirect his mass efficiently, often arriving a step late or overrunning plays entirely. His 21% missed tackle rate stems from poor weight distribution and arm-tackling habits that appeared consistently against elusive backs. Pass protection specialists with quick feet regularly neutralized his power rush by forcing him to win around the edge, exposing his average first step and limited bend. The Penn State game highlighted this limitation – his two sacks came only after abandoning outside rushes and focusing on interior pressure where his strength could be maximized.

The gap between Roberts' impressive pass rush production and his technical refinement creates a project player with clear physical tools but equally clear limitations. His bull rush occasionally makes centers and guards buckle, but he disappears for long stretches when that singular move is countered. Against Rice, he dominated with 2.5 sacks against outmatched competition, yet struggled to make consistent impact against stronger offensive lines. His day three value comes as a rotational defender who might contribute on early downs and occasional passing situations through interior stunts rather than edge pressure.