Jaquelin Roy

Jaquelin Roy Bio

Jaquelin Roy is an American professional football defensive tackle who currently plays for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Roy developed his football skills in his home state before becoming a standout player at LSU Laboratory School. He continued his football career at Louisiana State University, where he became a versatile defensive lineman before entering the 2023 NFL Draft. The Minnesota Vikings selected him in the fifth round, and after one season with the team, he joined the New England Patriots organization in 2024.

Early Life and Background

Jaquelin Roy grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he attended LSU Laboratory School. During his senior season at the school, Roy recorded 96 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His standout high school performance earned him a four-star recruit rating, making him a sought-after prospect in the recruiting process.

Roy initially committed to play college football at LSU but later decommitted from his original decision. He explained that he made his initial commitment too early in the recruiting process. After considering scholarship offers from other major programs including Alabama and Texas A&M, Roy ultimately decided to sign with LSU, reaffirming his connection to his home state program.

Path to Professional Football

Roy’s journey from LSU Laboratory School to the college level showcased his development as a player within Louisiana’s football ecosystem. His four-star rating and impressive high school statistics positioned him among the top defensive prospects in the region. The experience of re-evaluating his college decision during recruitment taught him important lessons about making informed choices in his career.

Jaquelin Roy Career

LSU Tigers (2020–2022)

Jaquelin Roy began his college career at LSU in 2020, appearing in nine games as a true freshman. He made an immediate impact with 18 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks during his debut season. His production demonstrated his readiness for Division I competition at the highest level of college football.

As a sophomore in 2021, Roy appeared in all 13 of LSU’s games, earning his first career start. He improved his tackle total to 30, with six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. The expanded role and consistency showed his development as a reliable member of the Tigers’ defensive line rotation.

Entering his junior season in 2022, Roy transitioned to the nose tackle position. He finished the season with 49 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks while anchoring the middle of LSU’s defensive line. Following the season, Roy declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, concluding his collegiate career with significant playing experience in the Southeastern Conference.

Minnesota Vikings (2023)

The Minnesota Vikings selected Jaquelin Roy in the fifth round, 141st overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. Drafting Roy addressed the Vikings’ need for defensive line depth, particularly at the interior positions. His experience playing multiple defensive line spots at LSU made him a versatile addition to Minnesota’s roster.

Roy spent his entire rookie season with the Vikings in 2023, learning behind veteran defensive tackles while contributing on special teams and in limited defensive packages. The transition from the college game to professional competition required adjustments in technique and physicality, which Roy worked through during his first NFL season.

New England Patriots (2024–Present)

On August 27, 2024, the Vikings waived Roy, ending his tenure with the organization. Rather than pursuing other opportunities elsewhere, Roy remained patient and eventually found his way to New England. On September 10, 2024, the New England Patriots signed Roy to their practice squad, giving him an opportunity to continue his professional career.

The Patriots promoted Roy to the active roster on October 5, 2024. The very next day, in a game against the Miami Dolphins, Roy recorded his first career NFL sack, bringing down quarterback Tyler Huntley. This milestone moment validated his perseverance through the roster transition and demonstrated his ability to contribute at the professional level. Roy’s first career sack came against an AFC East rival, adding significance to the achievement.

Roy’s 2024 season showed promise with 25 total tackles and two sacks, including his first career sack. However, his 2025 season was interrupted when the Patriots placed him on injured reserve on August 5, 2025. The injury ended his season early but allowed him time to recover and prepare for future seasons with the organization.

Playing Style and Strengths

Roy brings versatility to the defensive tackle position, having played both traditional defensive end in a four-man front and nose tackle in a three-man front during his college career. His ability to line up at multiple positions along the defensive line provides defensive coordinators with flexibility in their schemes. At 6 feet 3 inches and 305 pounds, he possesses the size and strength to hold up against the run while also demonstrating enough quickness to pressure the quarterback.

Jaquelin Roy Career Statistics

Roy compiled his NFL career statistics primarily during the 2024 season with the New England Patriots, where he saw increased playing time following his mid-season promotion from the practice squad.

College Statistics (LSU Tigers)

Over three seasons at LSU, Roy appeared in 35 games with one start, accumulating 97 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks. His production increased each season as he assumed a larger role within the defensive line rotation.

Professional Statistics (NFL)

Through the 2024 season, Roy recorded 25 total tackles and two sacks in his NFL career. Both sacks came during his time with the Patriots, including his first career sack in Week 6 against Miami.

Jaquelin Roy Personal Life

Roy grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as a product of the local football pipeline that has produced numerous collegiate and professional players. His connection to LSU extended throughout his developmental years, first attending LSU Laboratory School before playing for the LSU football program.

Roy’s decision-making process during his recruiting period demonstrated maturity beyond typical high school prospects. After initially committing to LSU, he took additional time to evaluate his options before ultimately reaffirming his commitment to the program. This experience shaped his approach to major career decisions later in his football journey.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season began with optimism for Jaquelin Roy as he entered his second year with the New England Patriots. Coming off a promising finish to the 2024 season where he recorded his first career sacks, Roy worked during the offseason to earn a more significant role in the Patriots’ defensive line rotation. Training camp reports indicated he was competing for additional playing time at the defensive tackle position.

Roy’s 2025 season came to an abrupt end when the Patriots placed him on injured reserve on August 5, 2025. The injury occurred during the preseason period, ending his campaign before the regular season began. While details of the injury were not disclosed publicly, the placement on injured reserve provided Roy with the dedicated time needed for recovery and rehabilitation.