2021 NFL Draft Results: Pittsburgh Steelers select Quincy Roche with 6th round pick

Entering the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a number of draft needs which they needed to address. Unlike in 2020, with no first round selection in the draft, the Steelers possessed a full allotment of draft picks. With eight picks, the following positions could be viewed as a priority entering the selection process: running back, center, pass rusher and even inside linebacker. Those positions, and more, were positions of need to help the black-and-gold get to the next level in 2021. There have been numerous thoughts and debates regarding what the team will do in Round 6 of the NFL Draft.

When the dust settled, the Steelers have selected Miami DE Quincy Roche, with their sixth round pick in the draft.

For those who may not know much about Roche as a player, this is his overall breakdown of his game, per his NFL Draft Profile:

Overview

Roche has packed the stat sheets for the better part of four years, but he’s very average athletically and doesn’t have the mass to consistently hold up at the point of attack. He’s tight in his lower half, which limits his ability to corner sharply when attacking the pocket. However, he’s limber in his upper body, which creates opportunities to slide off of blocks and make plays at awkward angles. His production should matter, but the athletic profile might push him down the board.

Strengths

• Durable, reliable and productive.
• Posted 39.5 tackles for loss and 26 sacks over three years at Temple.
• Assails the pocket with controlled anger.
• Subtle hands have some effectiveness in discarding punch.
• Rip-and-run opens the corner for him.
• Stays low in edge-to-edge counters, improving success rate.
• Consistently forced and recovered fumbles.
• Will work to slide off blocks and find ball-carriers.
• Strength in upper body to battle tight ends at point of attack.

Weaknesses

• Thin through his lower body.
• Tight hips, tight ankles.
• Not very explosive in race to the top of the rush.
• Unable to really sink and bend the edge.
• Looked ineffective and dull against Virginia Tech OT Christian Darrisaw.
• Body control sabotages balance at times.
• Below-average reactive athleticism.
• Not as fluid in movements as desired for 3-4 linebacker.
• No access to tight turns or sudden change of direction.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft needs in the remaining rounds of the draft now would be considered: Cornerback, among other positions.

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