2021 NFL Draft: Three-round mock draft featuring early quarterback run

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2021 NFL Draft Round 1, Pick 8

The Miami Dolphins have put together an interesting young roster with exciting talent on both sides of the ball. The addition of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the 2020 NFL Draft gives them a true franchise centerpiece and a player to build the rest of their team around. If Tua can stay healthy, this team should be headed in the right direction soon.

That being said, they are still a young team that is unlikely to be ready to compete in 2020. In all likelihood, the Dolphins will still be picking in the top 10 of the 2021 NFL Draft. Here, they pick at No. 8 and are able to add the top edge rusher in the class.

Gregory Rousseau looks like he was built in a lab to play on the edge at the next level. He is a long and athletic rusher who gets off of the ball quickly, understands how to use his length to his advantage and can turn the corner in an instant. Rousseau can win with raw speed around the edge as a pass rusher and even have some reps where he can win with power.

While his pass-rushing ability is the most exciting part of his game, Rousseau is a solid run defender who will step up and set the edge well. He shows impressive natural instincts on the outside and consistently plays with a high motor. Rousseau is a bit of a raw talent, but he has the right skill-set and demeanor to be an extremely productive player at the next level.

Edge rusher is not the biggest position of need for the Dolphins. However, it is an area where they could use some improvement and Rousseau is a worthy investment in this range.