2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Marshall S J.J. Roberts
Height: 6’0” | Weight: 200 lbs | Class: Senior
Background:
J.J. Roberts has emerged as one of the top safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, showcasing a strong combination of athleticism, physicality, and football IQ. A former three-star recruit out of West Virginia, Roberts transferred to Marshall after starting his college career at Wake Forest. Over the past two seasons, he has been a key piece of Marshall’s defense, standing out as a playmaker in both coverage and run support.
Strengths:
Versatile Defender: Roberts has experience playing deep safety, in the box, and covering slot receivers. His ability to line up in multiple spots makes him an attractive prospect for modern NFL defenses.
Athleticism & Speed: He has the range to cover ground quickly in zone coverage and is fast enough to recover when beaten initially.
Instincts & Awareness: Roberts reads quarterbacks well and shows a knack for anticipating routes, leading to key pass breakups and interceptions.
Tackling Ability: A physical defender who wraps up well and delivers strong hits, particularly in run support.
Ball Skills: He has shown a natural ability to locate and make plays on the ball, finishing his senior season with multiple interceptions and pass breakups.
Weaknesses:
Size & Strength: While Roberts is a solid tackler, he doesn’t have elite size for an NFL safety, which could be a concern when matching up against bigger tight ends and physical running backs.
Consistency in Man Coverage: While he has experience in man-to-man situations, he can struggle against elite route runners, sometimes losing leverage in press coverage.
Play Recognition: Though he has good instincts, he occasionally bites on play-action and double moves, leaving him out of position.
NFL Comparison: Juan Thornhill (Cleveland Browns) – A versatile, rangy safety who can impact both the pass and run game but may need refinement in man coverage at the next level.
Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late Round Pick (Rounds 4-6)
Roberts’ versatility, athleticism, and ball skills make him an intriguing prospect, but his size and occasional lapses in coverage could push him into Day 3 of the draft. He projects as a rotational safety with the potential to develop into a solid starter, especially in a zone-heavy scheme.
Best Fits:
Detroit Lions: Could use additional depth and a developmental safety to pair with their secondary.
San Francisco 49ers: A great fit in their zone-heavy system, where his versatility would be an asset.
Baltimore Ravens: A team known for developing defensive backs and maximizing their potential.
Overall, J.J. Roberts has the skill set to contribute early on special teams while working his way into a starting role as he refines his game at the next level.
Scouting Report: Marshall S J.J. Roberts’ Strengths & Weaknesses
