Time will tell if the Steelers got the late-round steal that many think outside linebacker Quincy Roche could become.
215 players were drafted before Roche, the former Temple and Miami standout whose name was seen in the second round in some NFL mock drafts over the last year.
Now, with the Steelers’ rookie minicamp underway, Roche is out to prove that the prognosticators were more accurate than the teams who passed up on him. He’s also keeping his goals simple.
“Just getting better every day,” Roche said Saturday. “When (the coaches) say something, listening to it, showing improvement, brining energy, bringing effort, those are things that’s I can control.”
Where he’ll be used remains to be seen. Despite recording 30 1/2 sacks in his college career, Roche's size was a red flag for a lot of teams. He is listed at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds. Compare that to former Steeler outside linebacker Bud Dupree, and Roche is at least an inch shorter and over 20 pounds lighter.
He was labeled a defensive end at Miami, but is comfortable in the outside linebacker role.
“I stood up a lot at Temple and stood up a lot at Miami,” he said. “My position was titled defensive end, but I was doing all kind of things and had all kinds of packages.”
Roche also was versatile in his location on the field, playing on both sides of the line and, really, all over the box at his two previous schools.
“I can’t wait to see what my role will be on this football team… I’m trying to get one-percent better every day. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Speaking of Dupree, Roche is wearing his old number, 48. But that wasn’t intentional.
“I definitely have seen him on film and seen him on tape,” Roche said. “He’s a great player. I didn’t really pick the number, it was kind of one of the best numbers available.
“I’m just excited to get to work, earn my keep around here and see what. Can do for this team.”
During this time, Roche is trying to hammer down the playbook, but does understand that mistakes will be made along the way. He’s hoping that being a “high character guy” will help make a good impression on his coaches and teammates, too.
And give Roche credit. After signing his first professional contract Saturday, he still has the mindset down, as well as relatable lingo.
“It’s definitely an exciting moment, just like draft night was an exciting moment,” he said. “But the race isn’t over yet. We all know how this business is.
“So I’m just going to bring my hard hat every day, continue to improve every day, be a good person and just try to be the best I can so that I can stay on this football team.”
Other contracts inked
In addition to Roche, the Steelers also agreed to terms with three other rookies in defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk, defensive back Tre Norwood and punter Pressley Harvin III