Miami Football: Predicting where top prospects land in 2021 NFL Draft
Scouting Report. DE. player. Pick Analysis. Miami. Gregory Rousseau. 2. 44
Once thought to be a sure-fire first-round pick and even up near the top five, Gregory Rousseau has seen a bit of a slide in the lead up to the NFL draft.
Only starting for one season, Rousseau put up gaudy numbers in 2019, totaling 15.5 sacks for the Hurricanes in 2019. He decided to opt out of the 2020 season, which may have backfired for him.
Rousseau has all of the measurables that you want in a top edge rusher, measuring in at 6-foot-7 and 255 pounds, but he lacks the superior athletic traits that are usually in a top edge defender in the NFL. He appeared to get most of his production from the interior as well and against weaker lines.
The Atlanta Falcons seemingly need pass rush help every offseason and this one is no different. Dante Fowler had a disappointing season for Atlanta last season after coming over from the Rams and that has left the Falcons with not much pass rush help or hope.
In the second round, they can take a chance on a player that has a very high ceiling, but also a low floor as well.
Projection: No. 35 overall to the Falcons