EDGE Quincy Roche can bolster Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive line
The Jacksonville Jaguars need an infusion of talent in their defensive line.
The Jacksonville Jaguars don’t currently have a franchise quarterback and finding one in the offseason will probably their biggest priority in 2021’s Player Selection Meeting. However, they should also give their defensive line an infusion of talent in the draft. If the team uses the second overall pick on a quarterback prospect such as Justin Fields or Zach Wilson, they could use their second first-round selection to draft Hurricanes EDGE Quincy Roche.
In 2019, Roche registered 13 sacks, 26 solo tackles, 15 assists, five pass deflections, and one forced fumble for the Purdue Owls. He transferred to Miami this year and even though his numbers haven’t been as good as last season, he’s was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week after a dominant performance against Duke.
All in all, Roche has played in nine games this season and has recorded 26 total tackles, 15 assists, and two forced fumbles. Even though he hasn’t had as many quarterback takedowns in 2020 as he had last year, he’s the NCAA’s active leader with 30. The Jaguars could target him with their second first-round pick, the second of two they got from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Why it makes sense for the Jacksonville Jaguars to target Quincy Roche.
Defensive end Dawuane Smoot currently leads the Jaguars with 4.5 sacks and although the defense registered a season-high four sacks against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13, they have had a hard time pressuring the quarterback in 2020.
Before Week 13, this Jacksonville team was dead last in sacks with 11. Injuries had certainly played a part in the defense’s dearth of quarterback takedowns. Sophomore defensive end Josh Allen, the team’s best pass rusher, dealt with injuries all season long before he was placed on Injured Reserve.
On the other hand, first-round defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson has underperformed, and even though he registered a season-high five total pressures against the ‘Vikes’, he’s been a non-factor most of the year. While the LSU standout could eventually break out and Allen return to shape, the ‘Jags’ can’t put all their chips on the duo and need to add reinforcements, Roche could definitely provide a boost to the defensive line.
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The Jaguars will head into the offseason with plenty of roster needs. Drafting Roche in 2021 would take care of one.