2021 NFL Draft: Edge rushers the Las Vegas Raiders should target
By Nico Di Fede
![LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 31: Defensive end Ronnie Perkins #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs into the offensive backfield during the second half of the college football game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 31: Defensive end Ronnie Perkins #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs into the offensive backfield during the second half of the college football game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1283272387-850x560-bc6915d2bfcd0c1e73e1d95187d4e7c5a54daa9faa54b67125f397727cd135e6.jpg)
2021 NFL Draft: Edge rushers the Las Vegas Raiders should target
Quincy Roche, Miami
Quincy Roche is a 6’2 243-pound defensive end that started his career at Temple but spent his last season at the more prestigious Miami. Roche recorded 7.0 sacks as a freshman, 6.0 as a sophomore, and 13.0 as a junior before his production took a major dip in 2020 finishing with only 4.5 sacks.
Regardless of the dip in production, Roche has a lot of the tools you want in an edge rusher. Bend is what I personally most value in an edge rusher and Roche is in my opinion the best pure speed-rusher in the class with arguably the best bend in the class.
Roche has a quick first step and is able to dip under the tackles shoulder and consistently turn the corner and get the angle on the quarterback and rack up pressures. He is a pure-speed rusher and has such doesn’t display much speed-to-power and could stand to add some more rush moves to his repertoire instead of relying entirely on his speed coming off of the edge.
Against the run, Roche was not able to consistently hold the edge, and was too often overpowered, and not able to disengage and fight off blocks. His instincts against the run could also see some improvement.
While Roche is not the most balanced EDGE prospect in the class, the Raiders need pass-rush help period. Even if Roche is the best fit as a situational pass-rusher, he could still potentially make an impact giving the Raiders another speed-rusher opposite of Maxx Crosby in today’s passing league.