The Texas Longhorns have been a defensive line factory for the last 20 years, but despite being a team captain and 20+ game starter at linebacker and along the defensive line, Malcolm Roach didn't have much hype coming out of Texas in 2020.
He signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie and appeared in nine games, finishing the season with 16 tackles, which is pretty darn good for a UDFA. He spent four total seasons in New Orleans, totaling 90 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, and 1 sack between 2020-2023. He then went on to sign with the Denver Broncos as a free agent in 2024 and played in all 17 games, becoming a solid rotational player for Broncos DC Vance Joseph.
In 2025, he's already combined for 19 tackles, 3 QB hits, and 3 sacks as the Broncos' nose tackle. Even with operating in Denver's 3-4 defense and being responsible for two gaps a lot of the time, he's managed to become a consistent nuisance as both an interior pass rusher and run defender.
Malcolm Roach has been one of Denver's best defenders the last two weeks. Unblockable in the run game. pic.twitter.com/Wia60N0KXx
— Frankie Abbott (@FrankiesFilm) October 21, 2025
Two of his best attributes are his hand-fighting ability and capacity to shed blocks quickly. Roach is very good at shifting opponents' momentum in advantageous directions with leverage and quickness at the point of attack. Something as simple as a basic "swim" move is more effective when you're able to move like Roach can.
It's so nice to see a former Longhorn like Roach finally making a name for himself in the NFL after flying under the radar for a few seasons despite being fairly productive in his role. Although he's only started one game in 2025 so far, he's one of a select few Denver defensive linemen who have played over 50% of total defensive snaps for the team this season.
Malcolm Roach's NFL future is still bright and despite already being 27 years old, he still has a lot of time to be a high-level contributor for another handful of years.