2021 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills take a chance in Gregory Rousseau
With the 30th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select…
After making their first AFC Championship Game appearance since 1993, the Buffalo Bills picked near the end of the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. With the 30th overall pick, the Buffalo Bills take a flier on a guy with a ton of upside, Miami edge rusher Gregory Rousseau.
Rousseau is a polarizing player who has shown great levels of production in his short college career at Miami but comes with his fair share of question marks. Rousseau has suffered multiple season-ending injuries and also opted out of the 2020 playing season due to COVID-19 concerns.
But when he’s on the field, Rousseau has proven that he can be effective. in 2019, Rousseau was second in the NCAA in sacks, behind only Chase Young. He never gives up on a play and always seems to make his way to the quarterback.
Rousseau is a versatile player that can rush off the edge or bump inside and penetrate the pocket very effectively. He is quick of the snap and darts through gaps in the line and into the backfield. When he gets engaged with a blocker he can struggle to free himself, but he often ends up in the backfield before the blockers can even lay a hand on him.
The Buffalo Bills did not have many pressing, glaring weaknesses coming into the 2021 NFL Draft, allowing them to take a chance on a guy like Rousseau. He may be rendered ineffective at the next level, or he could flourish into a budding superstar.
The Bills already have talent and effectiveness on their defensive line, but I did see that as the biggest area of opportunity for the team heading into the 2021 NFL Draft. With Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison both still playing well but on the back end of their careers, Gregory Rousseau can sit behind them and learn for a bit and truly develop into the outstanding player that he can become.
I really love this fit for the Buffalo Bills. Gregory Rousseau has the potential to be an All-Pro in the NFL, if he can stay on the field. For a defensive head coach like Sean McDermott who relies heavily on his defensive line to get pressure on the quarterback, a versatile and productive player like Rousseau should make a big difference for Buffalo Bills.