The LSU Tigers have had a defensive tackle selected in three straight NFL Drafts. Rashard Lawrence (2020), Tyler Shelvin (2021), and Neil Farrell (2022) all heard their names called in Round 4, and as his scouting report delineates, Jaquelin Roy could go in the same range during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Jaquelin Roy NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- School: LSU
- Year: Junior
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Roy attended University Lab School on LSU’s campus. He lettered four years on the football team, helping lead U-High to back-to-back state titles as a sophomore and junior. And as a senior, he enjoyed a stat-sheet-stuffing campaign, racking up 96 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks.
When the curtains came to a close on his high school career, Roy checked in as a four-star recruit and a top-50 player in the nation. And despite offers from nearly every top Power Five program, Roy made the sensible decision to stay on campus and commit to LSU.
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Joining the Tigers for his COVID-impacted true freshman season, Roy played in nine games, recording 18 tackles, four TFLs, and two sacks. With more games (13) and an increased role in 2021 (one start), Roy’s production improved, reaching 30 tackles, six TFLs, and 1.5 sacks.
After two strong campaigns and a starting role opening up, it seemed as though Roy was primed for a breakout true junior season. And although the numbers (49 tackles and 3.5 TFLs) are underwhelming on the surface, it’s important to turn on the tape.
After serving primarily as a 3/4i-tech DT, LSU kicked Roy inside for more 1-tech reps in 2022, vastly limiting his ability to generate pressure. Nevertheless, one area NFL decision-makers will be pleased with is Roy’s special-teams experience, as he saw time on the Tigers’ field-goal block and punt-return units.
But how does Roy stack up amongst a loaded 2023 defensive class?
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Jaquelin Roy
Strengths: Explosive one-gap tackle who shows a lot of athleticism. Fires off the snap, is effective when he bends his knees, and easily moves about the field. Quickly gets down the line of scrimmage and outside the box to pursue the action. Fights with his hands, is quick in all his actions, and immediately alters his angle of attack to get to plays. Gives effort against the run, flashes power, and wraps up tackling.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t play with consistent pad level, gets tall, and makes himself an easy target. Must develop more moves to disengage from blocks. Hasn’t displayed himself to be an effective pass rusher.
Overall: Roy possesses a nice combination of size as well as movement skills and comes with upside. He must improve his pad level and consistently play with leverage every single down to have a career in the NFL.
Jaquelin Roy Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 305 pounds
- Arm Size: 32 3/4″
- Hand Size: 10 1/8″
- Bench Press: 30 reps
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.13*
- Vertical Jump: 26″*
- Broad Jump: 8’5″*
- Three-Cone: 8.01
- Short Shuttle: 5.00
Note: Numbers marked with an (*) are from LSU’s Pro Day.
LSU DT Jaquelin Roy Current Draft Projection
On Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Roy ranks 106th overall as the DT10 and holds a third-round grade. Although the LSU DT saw significant time in the A gap last season, he’s unlikely to play nose much in the NFL.
There isn’t much not to like about Roy’s scouting report. Did he come out a year early? Probably. Yet, his youth and potential will certainly entice multiple franchises. And despite having only one year of starting experience under his belt, Roy is a pretty plug-and-play 3-tech already.
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There isn’t a single trait that falls below average, and he’s assignment-sound as a run defender. What he lacks in a pass-rush presence, Roy makes up for in reliability.
Roy won’t provide many “wow” plays and could use some development to maximize his tools. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a team take him in the late-Day 2/early-Day 3 range due to his physical foundation, special-teams experience, and developmental potential.
If he takes to coaching early on, Roy could take the baton from his LSU DT predecessors, leaving opposing linemen looking as if they were wearing rouge as their faces flush with embarrassment.