Will Malcolm Roach fill the hole left with the departure of John Franklin-Myers for the Broncos?
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (97) celebrates as he walks off the field after a win against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round game at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesMalcolm Roach is yet another of Sean Payton's guys. He came over in 2023 like several others to shore up a team in need of better run defense. He's been an excellent rotational interior defensive lineman for the Broncos who consistently provides quality situational snaps.
Player Profile
Malcolm Roach | Defensive Tackle | Denver Broncos
- Height: 6' 3''
- Weight: 290 pounds
- Age: 24 years old
- Experience: 7th season
- College: Texas
- 2025 stats: 41 tackles, 2 TFL, 5 QB hits, 4 sacks
- Contract
We'll likely see Roach taking on more snaps this season with the loss of John Franklin-Myers. Roach is known for his run defense ability, but he's shown the ability to generate a solid pass rush in one-on-one situations. This is often going to be the case with a line stacked with pass rushers like Nik Bonito and Zach Allen.
Roach isn't going anywhere for at least two years, based on what his contract looks like. I don't know if he's able to really turn up the number of snaps he's on the field for, but if he can, I could see him earning another raise next offseason.
Final WordI'm pretty bearish on Malcolm Roach having a breakout year. He's going to be given every opportunity to show that he's ready to take on a bigger role with the defense. I'm really curious to see what kind of rotation Vance Joseph cooks up with these interior guys. Roach has shown he's an impact player, and it is time to see if he can do that with a heavier snap count.