The Denver Broncos‘ defensive line was truly one of the worst position groups in the entire NFL last year. To help fix that unit, Sean Payton’s Broncos are turning to a familiar face — former New Orleans Saint defensive tackle Malcolm Roach.
With Denver allowing the sixth-highest rate of successful runs in 2023, improving their ability to stop the ground game was a must this offseason, and roach should help to do just that.
Last season, Roach led the entire NFL in run-stop rate, at 17.1%, per Pro Football Focus.
Beyond the statistical production though, Roach is already standing out in the locker room and the practice field.
“He’s batshit crazy, man,” Broncos safety and Roach’s collegiate teammate P.J. Locke said this week. “He’s going to be loud out here and bring the energy every single time. That’s his role and he embraces it. We need it, for sure.”
Coach Payton also heaped praise on the new Bronco.
“I think he loves playing,” Payton explained. “He’s effective as a player, and it’s kind of contagious. He’s a really good teammate and someone that can play multiple positions. There are certain guys that are ‘glue’ guys in a locker room, and he’s one of those guys. He had to steal first base. He was an undrafted free agent. He wasn’t born on third base. He had to make it. He’s a guy that appreciates every day, and his teammates quickly—I talked to a few of the others guy that have been here, and very quickly he acclimated himself. I would say he endears himself to his teammates, and I think that’s a good trait.”
Between Malcolm Roach and the addition of John Franklin-Meyers, the Denver Broncos’ defensive line should be much improved in 2024
