NFL CAREER – Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Texas in 2020, Roach brings speed and strength to the interior of the Saints defensive line. In his first two seasons, Roach has provided valuable depth playing in 16 games with two starts posting 26 tackles (11 solo), one interception, one pass defense, four quarterback hits and two stops for loss. Heading into the 2022 season, the Louisiana native looks to continue to make an impact on the Saints defensive line.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Signed by Saints to a Reserve/Future Contract, 1/12/22; Standard practice squad elevation, 1/8/22; Activated from Reserve/COVID-19, 1/1/22; Placed on Reserve/COVID-19, 12/27/21; Signed to the Saints Practice Squad, 12/9/21; Waived by Saints, 12/7/21; Activated from Injured Reserve, 12/6/21; Placed on Injured Reserve, 11/20/21; Agreed to terms with Saints, 4/27/20.
2021 – Appeared in seven games with two starts, posting ten tackles (four solo), one interception and one pass defensed…Vs. Green Bay, Sept. 12, made his first career start at DT and recorded one solo tackle as packers managed only 43 yards rushing on 15 carries (2.9 avg.)…Rotated at DT and recorded two tackles (one solo) and his first career interception, at Carolina, Sept. 19, as the Panthers were held to 2.7 yards per carry on 33 rushes...At New England, Sept. 26, started at DT as New Orleans surrendered only 49 rushing yards on 17 carries…Recorded two tackles and one quarterback hit, vs. N.Y. Giants, Oct. 3…At Washington Football Team, Oct. 10, rotated at DT and recorded one solo tackle…Inactive the next three contests…At Tennessee, Nov. 14, rotated at DT and had one assisted tackle as New Orleans surrendered only 66 yards rushing on 29 carries (2.3 avg.)…Placed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury, Nov. 20…Activated from Injured Reserve, Dec. 6…Waived, Dec. 7...Re-signed to practice squad, Dec. 9...At Atlanta, 1/9/22, rotated in at DT and recorded three tackles (one solo) with one quarterback hit. 2020 – Appeared in nine contests, posting 16 tackles (seven solo)…In season opener vs. Tampa Bay, Sept. 13, made his NFL debut, recording two solo tackles…At Las Vegas, Sept. 21, played on defense and special teams and recorded four tackles (career-high tying two solo), including one stop for loss…Vs. Green Bay, Sept. 27, recorded one assisted tackle…At Tampa Bay, Nov. 8, played on defense and special teams, making two assisted tackles…At Philadelphia, Dec. 13, played on defense and special teams and recorded two tackles (one solo)…Vs. Kansas City, Dec. 20, played on defense and special teams and recorded four tackles (one solo) to tie a career-best …Vs. Minnesota, Dec. 25, played on defense and special teams and recorded a solo tackle.
COLLEGE – A four-year defensive lineman who played in 47 career games with 23 starts at Texas…Spent time at both defensive end and linebacker…One of six Longhorns elected by their teammates as a captain for the 2019 season…Made 40 tackles, including nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, one pass breakup and blocked a kick in 2019 as a senior, when he played in 13 games and made 12 starts…In 2018 as a junior, played in nine games with three starts. Made 24 tackles (17 solo) with 1.5 stops for loss, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup…In 2017 as sophomore, played in all 13 games while making three starts. Totaled 37 tackles with four tackles for loss, two sacks and a pass breakup… In 2016 as a true freshman, played in 12 games and made five starts. Made 33 tackles (25 solo), eight stops for loss and three sacks…Garnered honorable mention for Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year…Eight TFL are tied for eighth-most all-time among UT freshmen…Graduated with youth and community studies degree.
PERSONAL – Coached by his father Mike Roach Sr. at Madison Preparatory (Baton Rouge, La.) Academy…Four-time All-State selection…Participated in 2016 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl…Named 2015 first-team Louisiana Sports Writers Association 2A All-State linebacker and Louisiana Football Coaches Association first-team composite…Baton Rouge Advocate All-Metro Outstanding Defensive Player, and Small School MVP…No. 35 in Times-Picayune Nifty 50…2014 Louisiana Sports Writers Association first-team 1A All-State defensive lineman, and also a Louisiana Football Coaches Association honorable mention selection…Advocate All-Metro…Chosen as the NOLA.com All-Baton Rouge Small Schools Defensive Player of Year… 2013 Louisiana Sports Writers Association first-team 1A All-State DL…Attended Southern Laboratory (Baton Rouge) HS as freshman…Louisiana Sports Writers Association Honorable mention 1A All-State selection…Competed in shot put and discus…Older brother, Mike Jr. an All-SWAC safety at Grambling State University.…Father was All-American LB at Southern University…Volunteers his time with the Boy Scouts in Baton Rouge when he is home…Can sing and play the piano…Born in Baton Rouge on June 9, 1998.
