2021 NFL Draft: Jets, Panthers fill QB need in three-round mock draft
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 16th overall
Pick Analysis. EDGE. 16. player. 123. Scouting Report. Miami (FL). Gregory Rousseau
Earlier in this 2021 NFL Draft scenario, the Dallas Cowboys were able to find a strong opportunity to move down the board a bit. That being said, this team has many defensive needs that simply must be addressed at some point. After landing softly at No. 16 after the trade, the Cowboys find themselves in a position to improve their defense with the selection of edge rusher Gregory Rousseau.
Rousseau decided to sit out the 2020 season, but his performance in 2019 should have been enough to put him in the first-round mix. In 2019, Rousseau was a consistent force to be reckoned with, piling up 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss.
With an explosive first step and tremendous natural bend around the edge, Rousseau does a great job of creating pressure as a speed rusher around the corner. He also showed the ability to kick inside and completely overwhelm with speed against interior players.
Simply put, Rousseau is an extremely long and athletic edge defender who has massive upside at the next level. He is going to be a bit of a project player in the NFL, but if it all clicks, the Cowboys will have found themselves an impact defender who would undoubtedly help them at an important position of need.