2021 NFL Draft defensive end rankings: Ronnie Perkins leads a deep class

3. Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
6-foot-5, 260 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: First round

To say Miami defensive Gregory Rousseau was a one-year wonder is an understatement. In 2019, he was one of the most feared pass rushers in the nation recording 15.5 sacks on the year which led the ACC. Unfortunately, that was his only productive season in college as he missed most of the 2019 season due to injury and opted out of the 2020 season.

As a prospect, Rousseau is an excellent athlete who can win with power and speed as a pass rusher. He displays a good burst off the ball and can win his share of matchups with his overall quickness. In terms of power, he displays the power to fight through blocks although his lack of technique hurts him in this area. One other positive with him is he shows a high motor which allowed him to get a lot of coverage sacks.

The biggest concern with Rousseau is a lack of playing time and overall time at defensive end. He has really only played or even practiced at defensive end for one year as he played mainly wide receiver and defensive back in high school. He also only got to play defensive end one year in college due to his injury as a true freshman and not playing this past year. This lack of time at the position hurts him when it comes to both technique and overall awareness.

Rousseau currently carries a low first-round draft grade, but it would not be a shock if a team fell in love with his potential and took him in the top-15 of the 2021 NFL Draft.