The New York Giants have bolstered their pass-rush recently. Last year, they added edge rusher Azeez Ojulari in the second round of the draft. With the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, they took another promising pass-rusher in Oregon star Kayvon Thibodeaux. In the mix of these big moves was another low-key acquisition that has lost the spotlight. Quincy Roche, recently coined the Giants’ “Best Kept Secret” by Sports Illustrated, could take a big step forward in 2022.
Quincy Roche was drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He unfortunately found himself on the waiver wire mid-season and the Giants jumped at the opportunity to acquire Roche’s talents. He went on to play in 14 games, starting 3 of them and making a decent impact as a rotational pass-rusher. Roche was once looked at as a projected third-round pick in the pre-draft process. Under-drafted and over-looked, Quincy Roche fought hard to prove his worth. Now, entering his second season with the New York Giants, Quincy Roche could be in line for an expanded role.
Quincy Roche could take a step forward for the Giants in 2022
Quincy Roche could end up being a sneaky productive pass rusher for the New York Giants this season. Of course, he will not be in possession of a starting role, as those positions will undoubtedly be earned by Thibodeaux and Ojulari. However, Roche could make an impact as a designated pass-rusher, an important secondary position in the NFL.
Quincy Roche posted 2.5 sacks and 38 combined tackles in 14 appearances last year. He played primarily in rotation but did make three starts last season in Lorenzo Carter’s absence. In the three-game stretch from Week 8 to Week 11 where Roche played a starting role, he logged 13 tackles, two for loss, three quarterback hits, and one sack.
Quincy Roche is not to be overlooked. Sure, the Giants might have more talented pass-rushers on the edge. But depth is crucial in the NFL and Quincy Roche is quality depth. Wink Martindale loves to blitz and apply pressure to the quarterback with additional pass-rushers, leaving an avenue for Quincy Roche to see the field and make an impact for the Giants.