The New England Patriots, always keen on bolstering their defensive line, brought in defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy for a workout on September 9. A day later, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the team had signed Roy to their practice squad, giving the young defensive lineman a fresh opportunity.
Roy, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, spent his rookie season in Minnesota. He appeared in 12 games, including one start, logging 96 defensive snaps and 59 special teams snaps. Roy’s 2023 season saw him register eight total tackles, including one for loss, and a quarterback hit. However, his time with the Vikings ended in late August when the team released him during final roster cuts.
A Promising New Opportunity
Though he is now on New England’s practice squad, Roy’s journey is far from over. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 305 pounds, he brings physicality and potential to a Patriots defensive line that could use added depth. During his collegiate career at LSU, Roy was known for his ability to disrupt the pocket, tallying 5.0 sacks, 14 QB hits, and 59 total pressures over three seasons. In his final year at LSU, he played 396 pass-rush snaps and recorded 2.0 sacks, five QB hits, and 20 hurries.
While the Patriots already boast a formidable defensive line, Roy offers intriguing upside as a rotational piece. His ability to step in if injuries strike could prove invaluable down the stretch. Head coach Jerod Mayo and the defensive-minded coaching staff may look to develop Roy, much like they have with other players who initially struggled to find their footing in the league.
A Defensive Line on the Rise
The Patriots’ defensive line made a strong statement in their Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. New England pulled off a stunning 16-10 win, largely due to the performance of their defense, which recorded three sacks, four QB hits, and three tackles for loss. Mayo praised the group for their effort but kept his focus on the bigger picture, urging his players to maintain their intensity throughout the season.
“Our job is to go out here and win football games,” Mayo said following the game. “I don’t even want to get this win overblown. It’s one game. From a coaching perspective, our job is to teach these guys how to win. Having that sense of urgency to not fall into being comfortable is huge.”
The Patriots’ defensive line is full of players with similar stories to Roy. Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, a former fifth-round pick, found new life with New England after being released by the Miami Dolphins. In Week 1, Godchaux was on the field for 45% of the Patriots’ defensive snaps, recording two quarterback hurries.
Could Roy follow a similar path and carve out a role for himself? It’s too early to tell, but with Mayo’s track record of developing defensive talent, Roy has landed in a system that knows how to maximize potential.
What’s Next for the Patriots
The Patriots will host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, and while it’s unlikely that Roy will suit up for that game, his journey in New England is just beginning. If he can prove himself on the practice squad, a promotion to the active roster could be in his future, particularly if injuries or performance issues arise on the defensive line.
For now, Roy will have to put in the work and wait for his opportunity. But if his college production and raw talent are any indication, he could be a name to watch as the season progresses.
