Minnesota Vikings Coach Reveals Player Who Needs Big Leap

The Minnesota Vikings made a strategic move by trading up to select promising LSU defender Jaquelin Roy in the draft. Combining the 158th and 211th picks allowed them to secure Roy at 141st overall.

Although Roy saw limited playing time during the 2023 season, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell hinted at a potential shift during the Annual League Meeting.

As the Vikings prepare for the 2024 season, their defensive line remains an area of focus for improvement. Internal development is key, and O’Connell is banking on Roy to elevate his performance.

“J Roy still coming off of what I thought was a productive rookie year, real flashes of production. But we’re going to need see him kind of take that next step.”

Roy, at 23, has demonstrated both resilience and finesse on the field. Despite only seeing 96 snaps in his rookie season, he managed to tally 8 tackles, a QB hit, and a tackle for loss. The question now is: What is his potential ceiling, and can he emerge as a game-changing starter?

One of Roy’s strengths lies in his adept use of the swim move, allowing him to maneuver around opposing linemen effectively. Coming out of LSU, he received praise from NFL.com, with draft analyst Lance Zierlein highlighting his potential as a quality starter.

Crucially, Roy must be able to hold his ground against double teams from offensive linemen, freeing up linebackers to make plays. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 305 pounds, Roy is slightly undersized for a traditional nose tackle role. However, Minnesota has deployed him both inside and around the gaps, showcasing his versatility.

To solidify his role as a 1T or 0T, Roy may need to bulk up. Yet, his scouting profile emphasizes his strength, hustle, and technique, which can compensate for his size. Notably, the additions to the defensive line roster—Jerry Tillery, Jonathan Bullard, Jonah Williams—indicate a potential opportunity for Roy to secure playing time, particularly if he can combine his penetration skills with unwavering stability at the line of scrimmage.

Entering the second year of his rookie contract, Roy carries a modest $999,943 cap charge, making him a cost-effective investment for the Vikings’ defense.