2021 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five EDGE defenders
Gregory Rousseau. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Miami (FL). 2. player. 834. Scouting Report
Gregory Rousseau is considered by most to be the top edge rusher in the 2021 NFL Draft class and a likely top 10 selection. While there is certainly a lot to like about Rousseau as a prospect, Paye is a more complete player, pushing him to the top of my list.
Last season, wreaked havoc in the ACC, finishing the year with 19.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. He was able to generate consistent pressure off of the edge, using his fantastic combination of length and athleticism.
Rousseau is an exciting speed rusher who gets off of the ball quickly and does a great job of bending around the edge. He is undoubtedly a high-ceiling player, but Rousseau tends to rely on his athleticism far too often. He is a raw player who needs to refine his technique in order to reach his ceiling at the next level.
Rousseau sat out the 2020 season and that is unlikely to help his development. His exciting upside at a premium position certainly makes Rousseau tempting as an early pick, but he is undoubtedly a risky pick who will likely struggle to make an early impact.
2021 NFL Draft projection: Mid first round
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Texas. 3. player. EDGE. Joseph Ossai. 851
Joseph Ossai is another 2021 NFL Draft prospect who has raised his stock in a big way this season. Through seven games for Texas, Ossai has piled up 49 tackles (including 13 for loss) and 4.5 sacks. Ossai is a consistent playmaker on the defensive side of the ball for the Longhorns and can impact the game in a variety of ways.
Ossai is at his best when he lines up on the edge and simply attacks the quarterback. He shows an impressive combination of quickness and power on the edge and does a great job of getting low and turning the corner quickly. Ossai is an exciting edge rusher but has also done a great job of handling off-ball linebacker duties for Texas.
Ossai will likely primarily play on the edge at the next level, but it is nice to see him show this versatility. Simply put, he is a tough and talented football player who always seems to find his way to the ball. Ossai should be a first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft and undoubtedly has a high ceiling at the next level.