2021 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Quincy Roche
Position: EDGE
School: Miami/Temple
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 245 pounds
Stats
Pass Rush-4
Despite his speed, Roche’s hands appear as his most bankable trait. As a result, his rush repertoire features electric hand placement. Using either a single or double swipe, the prospect keeps clean with that prestidigitation. Tackles grasp at air. On top of that, Roche’s inside step, coupled with hand fighting creates a gap to funnel through. Now, here is where the Temple/Miami product brings a bit more to the table. Surviving as a lighter rusher, the prospect needed to add to his toolbox. In the film, Roche shows a mini euro-step. Basically, Roche baits the blocker into leaning on one foot, committing to block that side. Then, he darts the other way. The tackle can’t catch up and loses that encounter. Also, Roche uncorks a bullrush. At, this point, he doesn’t have the base or functional strength to win with that move.
Speed-4
Like exiting a cannon, Roche gets the corner and streaks towards the ball. He closes within steps, finishing the play. Away from the line of scrimmage, the prospect doesn’t appear out of place and will stay with plays, running the ballcarrier down.
Strength-1
Of all the traits, this one does not fall in Roche’s favor. To remain effective, he must steer clear of being locked on. Once a tackle settles in, Roche will vanish from the play. At the next level, the prospect must get stronger.
Agility-4
Shedding before strong contact, the prospect wins with the shoulders and hands that swipe and dip away, preventing a wide block target. At times, Roche lined up on the inside, sliding around tackles on the stunt. The lateral movement presents an instant problem.
Tackling-2
With the quickness and burst, the prospect flies towards the ball carrier. As with a few other areas on this list, Roche needs to add a little power to enhance this trait. Looking at the technical aspect, he flashes quick grab and drag. However, his foot speed should draw a bit more pop.
Run Support-2
As an end, Roche struggles with runs between the tackles. Linemen wall him off, preventing him from making a play. On perimeter run/screen, the former Temple standout shines with the ability to beat the blockers to the play. Knifing through a screen or blowing up toss sweeps, Roche provides excellent run-stopping on the outside.
Intangibles-3
Roche left Temple with a year of eligibility. He looked at the landscape of both teams and placed himself in the best position. How does that translate to the field? Awareness. Granted, as a pass rusher, his first steps remain aimed at the quarterback, Yet, he feels for a moving pocket and the potential for explosive plays.
Raiders Fit
Playing in Gus Bradley’s defense, Roche would thrive in his initial role. Granted, he will not play as a three-down defensive end. Size and strength concerns eliminate that until the weight room becomes a constant factor. Yet, the prospect will see an abundance of snaps as a situational pass rusher. Roche steps in Vegas as the most technically accomplished and fastest pass rusher on the roster. Since the Khalil Mack trade, only Maxx Crosby provided any semblance of rush off the edge. Yet, with Roche, the Raiders could bookend them, with the rookie rushing from a two-point stance. Operating in this role would give the Raiders speed from both ends of the field. All Roche needs to focus on early is get home.
Points: 21/28
