Vikings Draft 2021: Five-round immediate impact mock draft
By Luke Parrish
Third Round (Pick No. 90)
Quincy Roche – EDGE (Miami)
Danielle Hunter is set to return after missing the 2020 season with a neck injury. But his presence alone will not be enough off the edge for Mike Zimmer’s defense. D.J. Wonnum had his moments as a rookie last season, but he is by no means solidified as the starter opposite Hunter moving forward.
The Vikings need to add to the depth along the defensive line and they have a history of doing that in the later stages of the draft. Quincy Roche lived in the backfield at Temple and Miami during his time in college and he could thrive on a dominant defensive line.
In four seasons in college, Roche posted 54 tackles for a loss and 30.5 sacks while also adding eight forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. With rotational pass rushers needed, Minnesota may strike gold once again in the later rounds with Roche.
Similar to the safety situation, the Vikings may indeed bring in a veteran pass rusher to help mentor the young guys and play meaningful snaps this season. But they still need players who can make big plays when called on.