Buffalo Bills 2021 NFL Draft preview: 3 ideal first round targets

Buffalo Bills add to defensive line in NFL Draft by selecting Gregory Rousseau

Buffalo may benefit from Rousseau opting out of the 2020 college season with the Hurricanes. The 21-year-old fits the look of an imposing rusher coming in at 6’7″ and 265 pounds.

Not having any tape from the 2020 season seems to be a problem for some teams ahead of the draft. However, Rousseau’s 2019 film should make a team comfortable with taking him late in the first round.

The 2019 second-team All American picked up 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 13 games. With rushers Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison in the final year of their contracts and slowing down some, this would be an ideal pick for the long term.

With young talent all over the roster, the Bills are poised to be in the Super Bowl conversation for years to come. Rousseau adds to that window.

Some see the Miami star as a boom or bust prospect but at the 30th pick, the Bills can take a swing. Danny Kelly of The Ringer describes Rousseau as such:

"Rousseau has a long, athletic frame with vines for arms. A former wide receiver and safety who didn’t play the edge spot until his senior year of high school, the Hurricanes star is a bit unrefined and lacking in experience, but it’s tough to ignore his extraordinary size and movement skills. He uses his reach effectively, striking opposing linemen and holding on to control the rep, converting speed to power on bull rushes, or using pull-rip moves to shoot past opponents. Rousseau has excellent closing speed; he covers ground like a gazelle to make a sack or chase down the ballcarrier or quarterback."

Vines for arms sounds like a great name for a band or for someone who will be very popular with Bills Mafia.

Other possible edge rushers to consider: Kwity Paye (Michigan), Carlos Basham Jr. (Wake Forest), Jayson Oweh (Penn State)