Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
- BYU
- Oregon
Background Info
- Listed at 6-3/235 lbs.
- 3-Star recruit according to 247 Sports
- Played safety in high school
- First-Team All-District 4-6A honors out of Dallas
- Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2023
- Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023
- Third-Team All-Big 12 in 2025
Notable career stats heading into 2026
- 280 tackles
- 15.5 combined tackles for a loss and sacks
- Generated 12 turnovers
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
- 79 Career PFF Run Defense Grade
- 61.2 Career PFF Coverage Grade
- 29 Hurries
- Missed tackle rate of 9.7%
- 100 Stops
Strengths
- Great pass coverage
- Instincts to make plays on the ball in the air and on the ground
- Excellent in run support
- Awareness is good enough to not overcommit and bite on play action
- Ideal size and length for the linebacker position
Player Summary
Ben Roberts has one of the more entertaining games of film from any prospect this cycle against BYU in the Big 12 Championship. Beyond just that game, and in that game, he showcases top-tier pass overage ability for the position. He uses his instincts and size to make plays on the ball in the air and on the ground, and he shows the awareness not to overcommit either way. All in all, Roberts is going to be in contention for LB1 when it comes to the draft next offseason.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting on Texas Tech LB Ben Roberts