As usual, the University of Miami will be a pipeline of NFL talent despite having another poor season. They will supply the 2021 NFL Draft with three pass rushers, and all of them are likely to go in the first three rounds. With the annual tradition of the Raiders needing more pass rush, let’s dive into what these players bring to the table.
Here are three Hurricanes the Raiders should target in 2021’s draft
Jaelan Phillips
Jaelan Phillips may be the biggest question mark in the 2021 NFL Draft. If it weren’t for the injury concerns that come with him, he would be a top ten pick. However, while at UCLA, Phillips was forced to undergo a medical retirement due to his persistent concussion issues. Despite this, he was cleared by the University of Miami last year and had an incredible 2020 campaign.
After posting eight sacks and displaying flashes of dominant play, he would be the top-tier pass rusher the Raiders need. While it would be a risky pick, it may be worth it for the caliber of player you could receive.
Jaelan Phillips is so fun and quick for his size pic.twitter.com/jFq9YLAqM1
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) April 18, 2021
Quincy Roche
Another transfer, Quincy Roche had an incredible season at Temple with 13 sacks. While he did not see the same kind of production at Miami — only 4.5 sacks last year — he still showed good ability as a pass rusher. Roche is great technically and uses a wide array of pass rush moves to win. This is a huge plus as his biggest knock is his lack of athleticism. A likely third-round pick, Roche can become a very good NFL player and eventual starter with some even more refinement.
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Gregory Rousseau
Here’s another player with some large question marks. Gregory Rousseau’s red flags come from his choice to opt out of the 2020 college football season. In 2020, he recorded 15.5 sacks en route to winning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. While he is a talented pass rusher, he may be a player better suited on the inside. This is simply because he does not have the reps and production on the edge. At 6’7″ and 253 he has immense potential in the NFL and is a player any defensive coordinator would like to get their hands on.
Gregory Rousseau's FSU tape is nsfw, IOL had no answer for him.pic.twitter.com/b0Pb3GHoI4
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) July 21, 2020
Even though the Raiders have added Yannick Ngakoue to help remedy their atrocious pass rush, the Silver and Black still have work to do. In addition, pass rush is a spot where you can never have too many good players. If either Phillips and Rousseau are available at 17 they should absolutely consider it. If Roche is available on day two, they should jump on the opportunity. Las Vegas will have a chance to add these players, they just need to pull the trigger.
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