SMU Players Make History in 2025 NFL Draft

Strategic Insights -

The State of Texas, in conjunction with Southern Methodist University, announced that SMU players Elijah Roberts and Brashard Smith were drafted on the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft. This marks the third time in the past five years that the Mustangs have had multiple players selected in the draft. Roberts, a graduate student, was chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 21st pick in the fifth round, making him the highest-drafted defensive lineman since Margus Hunt in 2013. Roberts had an impressive 2024 season, recording 35 tackles, 17 solo, and 11 tackles for loss, earning him All-ACC Honorable Mention and DCTF All-Texas First Team recognition. Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs' seventh-round pick, set a new program record for most yards in a single season with 1,977 all-purpose yards and became the first Mustang running back drafted since 1986.

Key Takeaways:

  • SMU has had multiple players selected in the NFL Draft three times in the past five years.
  • Elijah Roberts, a graduate student, was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 21st pick in the fifth round, making him the highest-drafted defensive lineman since Margus Hunt in 2013.
  • Roberts had an impressive 2024 season, recording 35 tackles, 17 solo, and 11 tackles for loss.
  • He also had 7.5 sacks, two fumbles forced, and one fumble recovery, and was named All-ACC Honorable Mention and DCTF All-Texas First Team.
  • Brashard Smith, a senior, set a new program record for most yards in a single season with 1,977 all-purpose yards.
  • He became the first Mustang running back drafted since 1986 and earned All-ACC First Team honors, was named an All-American by four different outlets, and earned a spot on the DCTF All-Texas First Team.
  • Smith was a leader in the locker room, being named one of six Mustang captains prior to the season.
  • Both players were selected on the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Statistics:

  • 157th overall: The pick number for Elijah Roberts in the fifth round.
  • 228th overall: The pick number for Brashard Smith in the seventh round.
  • 35 tackles: Roberts' tackles record in the 2024 season.
  • 17 solo tackles: Roberts' solo tackles record in the 2024 season.
  • 11 TFLs: Roberts' tackles for loss record in the 2024 season.
  • 7.5 sacks: Roberts' sacks record in the 2024 season.
  • 2 fumbles forced: Roberts' fumbles forced record in the 2024 season.
  • 1 fumble recovery: Roberts' fumble recovery record in the 2024 season.
  • 1,977 all-purpose yards: Smith's all-purpose yards record in the 2024 season.
  • 1,332 rushing yards: Smith's rushing yards record in the 2024 season.
  • 14 scores: Smith's score record in the 2024 season.

Sources:

  • The State of Texas
  • Southern Methodist University