One of the most obvious deficiencies for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 has been their sub-standard pass-rush. Miami’s Quincy Roche could provide a boost coming off the edge.
There are promising players already filing up the edges for the Raiders defense in Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell. Also, the team has Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley in house though we’re not sure on how they fit into any long-term plans yet. Arden Key and Carl Nassib have both failed to make any meaningful impacts leaving their future in doubt.
Overall, the unit needs help no matter who ends up coaching the defense or what type of scheme they implement. Speaking purely from a pass rush stance, Roche could be an upgrade.
Raiders need explosiveness off the edge, Roche can provide that…
Somewhat undersized at 6’4″ and weighing in at 235 pounds, Roche could help instantly in getting to opposing quarterbacks. Joe Marino of the Draft Network spotlighted the defensive end’s vision, technique, and hands as his biggest strengths. He noted, “[Roche] has a lethal inside club swim move. Fluid and fully capable of cornering the outside hip of offensive tackles.” If the Raiders could bring him in strictly to rush the passer, it sounds like he’d be ready from the outset.
What do the numbers say about Roche?
Looking at his collegiate production, many things stand out from Roche’s time at Miami. In his sole season with the Hurricanes, Roche amassed four and a half sacks, 14.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and recovered three fumbles in ten games played. Before joining the ACC conference, Roche totaled 26 sacks and 39.5 tackles for a loss at Temple. Overall, it paints a clear picture and that’s Roche can get to the signal-caller.
Pro Football Focus noted he had 581 snaps along Miami’s defensive line and grades out at 87.8 for his pass rushing abilities. As a side note, we noticed there was a bit of a drop off according to PFF in his overall defensive grade, he went from 93.5 to 82.5 over the course of the last two years. Depending on what the Raiders decide to do with their defensive end group, Roche could definitely help improving it.
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*Top Photo: Susan Stocker/Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service
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