Jaquelin Roy Bio
Jaquelin Roy is an American professional football defensive tackle for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Standing 191 centimeters tall and weighing 138 kilograms, Roy has built his reputation as an interior lineman capable of disrupting opposing backfields.
Early Life and Background
Jaquelin Roy was born on October 22, 2000, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He grew up in the same Louisiana capital that would later become the site of his collegiate career, attending Louisiana State University Laboratory School, commonly known as LSU Lab School, in Baton Rouge. During his high school years, Roy developed into one of the most closely watched defensive line prospects in the region.
As a senior at LSU Lab School, Roy produced 96 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks, statistics that highlighted his knack for penetrating opposing offensive lines. He was rated a four-star recruit by national scouting services and initially committed to LSU during the early stages of his recruitment. Roy later chose to reopen his commitment, explaining that he felt he had made his decision too early in the process.
After reconsidering several major programs, Roy ultimately signed with LSU, passing on scholarship offers from Alabama and Texas A&M. His decision allowed him to remain close to home while continuing his development under one of the most respected defensive coaching staffs in college football.
Path to American Football
Roy’s progression from high school standout to professional prospect followed a familiar Southeastern Conference pipeline. His four-star rating and senior production drew attention from recruiters across the country, and his brief decommitment only amplified interest in his eventual college choice. LSU offered him the chance to play in the same city where he had grown up, while Alabama and Texas A&M represented two of the most decorated programs in the sport.
By choosing LSU, Roy positioned himself within a program known for producing NFL-ready defensive linemen. The Tigers’ defensive scheme, combined with the strength of their schedule, gave him the opportunity to compete against top-tier offensive line prospects each week. His freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons at LSU formed the foundation for his eventual decision to enter the 2023 NFL Draft.
Jaquelin Roy Career
Early Career at LSU (2019–2022)
Roy joined the LSU Tigers and quickly carved out a role along the defensive line. As a freshman, he appeared in nine games and recorded 18 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks, demonstrating an early ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. His production gave the coaching staff confidence to expand his responsibilities the following season.
During his sophomore year, Roy played in all 13 of LSU’s games and made one start, finishing the campaign with 30 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. The experience of logging significant snaps helped him refine his technique against the run and as a pass rusher. Entering his junior season, Roy transitioned to nose tackle, a move that demanded greater strength and gap discipline.
In his junior year, Roy recorded 49 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks while handling the demanding nose tackle role. Following the conclusion of that season, he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, closing his collegiate career with three seasons of steady production against top competition.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2023–2024)
Roy was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round, 141st overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. The pick reflected his projection as a developmental interior defender with the physical tools to contribute on early downs and in rotational pass-rushing situations. He spent his rookie season working within the Vikings’ defensive line rotation.
On August 27, 2024, Roy was waived by the Vikings, ending his tenure in Minnesota after a single professional season. The decision was part of the team’s broader roster evaluation process ahead of the 2024 regular season.
New England Patriots Era (2024–Present)
On September 10, 2024, shortly after his release from Minnesota, Roy was signed to the New England Patriots practice squad, providing him an opportunity to continue his professional development. Less than a month later, on October 5, Roy was promoted to the Patriots’ active roster.
The day after his promotion, Roy recorded his first career sack, bringing down Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley. The milestone marked his first official impact play in a regular-season NFL game and signaled his growing role within New England’s defensive front. On August 5, 2025, Roy was placed on injured reserve.
Driving Style and Strengths
Roy plays with the physical profile of a classic interior defensive tackle, using his 191-centimeter frame and 138-kilogram build to anchor against double teams. His experience at nose tackle at LSU refined his ability to occupy blockers and clog running lanes, while his pass-rushing flashes during his Patriots tenure suggest continued development as a pocket-collapsing presence.
Notable Events and Milestones
Roy’s most prominent professional milestone to date came on October 6, 2024, when he recorded his first career NFL sack against the Miami Dolphins. His selection in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and his rapid promotion from the Patriots practice squad to the active roster represent the defining early chapters of his NFL story.
Jaquelin Roy Family
Personal Life
Public information about Jaquelin Roy’s personal and family life is limited. He was raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and pursued his education at LSU Lab School before continuing his football career at LSU. There are no verified public details regarding his parents, spouse, or children.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season opened with Jaquelin Roy listed on the New England Patriots roster following his promotion from the practice squad late in the 2024 campaign. His first career sack against the Miami Dolphins had established him as a developing piece of the Patriots’ interior defensive rotation.
On August 5, 2025, Roy was placed on injured reserve, an early-season setback that interrupted his momentum heading into the year. His placement on injured reserve created an opportunity for the Patriots to evaluate younger defensive linemen while Roy focused on recovery.
Looking ahead, Roy’s long-term outlook with New England will depend on his rehabilitation progress and his ability to reclaim a rotational role once healthy. The Patriots’ investment in promoting him to the active roster in 2024 suggests the organization views him as part of its defensive depth chart, provided he can return to form following his injury.