CBS Sports Expects Steelers OLB Quincy Roche to be Day 3 Draft Gem

Whether it’s Dak Prescott or Tyreek Hill, Day Three selections surprise and make an immediate impact every year in the NFL.

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso has released his predictions for which late-round picks will make an immediate impact in 2021, and believes Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Quincy Roche will have the role and tools to become a gem.

“There’s an opportunity for Roche to make a name for himself early in the NFL. And he has the game to do it,” Trapasso writes. “Pittsburgh got him on the bargain rack in the sixth round. He likely fell because of his smaller stature on a subpar workout at the Miami pro day, but the former Temple and Miami star has a developed arsenal of pass-rushing moves and plays much bendier around the corner than his measured athleticism would indicate.”

With the Steelers basically barren behind outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, Roche is expected to slide in and produce immediately as the club’s third pass rusher, which has become a more critical role than ever before.

“In Pittsburgh, Roche can be a classic, stand-up rush linebacker, and his refined game bodes well for his ability to make an instant impact,” Trapasso writes.

Selected in the sixth round by Pittsburgh, Roche was an incredibly productive pass rusher over his four-year career with both Owls and Hurricanes. He tallied 182 career total tackles, 54 tackles-for-loss, 30.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and eight recoveries.

Trapasso is also eyeing Jets running back Michael Carter, Titans wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick, Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard and Bears cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. to make a splash in 2021 as late-round selections.