RD 1, Pick 30: Greg Rousseau, Edge (Miami) Public Poll Added

[JoPoy88]

7 minutes ago, Warcodered said:

 

LOL. This kid is going to get mauled. Good luck jets

[Scorp83]

1 minute ago, Warcodered said:

Good lord he could just reach over the line and pick up the QB.

Exactly! 😅😅 this kid will only get better

[ROCBillsBeliever]

1 hour ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Cannot believe they wasted a high draft pick on a Renaissance painter.

 

But Coach, Maybe they thought their edge rushers needed to take more artistic angles 

[Milanos Milano]

Why did we draft a philosopher? 

[Richard Noggin]

1 hour ago, bills6969 said:

How is this guy better than Perkins or Azeez?

Perkins was no longer available, and with Ojulari it's probably a combination of size (too small for the McD DE mold--he likes 'em long) and medical e v a l.

[BruceVilanch]

1 hour ago, JerseyBills said:

ESPN wasn't impressed by the pick at all

 

I'm not impressed by ESPN at all.

[78thealltimegreat]

9 minutes ago, Process said:

We now have the following on the d line:

 

2018 3rd rounder

2019 1st rounder

2020 2nd rounder

2021 1st rounder

 

And a 2018 first round pick at MLB.

 

Add in another LB we just signed to a big contract. 

 

No more excuses. Defense needs to take a big step next year or we will need to really start questioning if Beane knows what he is doing on that side of the ball. 

Add to that our franchise corner was a first rounder as well 

[Milanos Milano]

Some have the nickname the professor. I’m going to call Greg the philosopher. 

[Warcodered]

 

 

[HerdMentality]

10 minutes ago, IronMaidenBills said:

Why did we draft a philosopher? 

We had good feelings.

[sven233]

He's a guy that won't blow people off the edge, but he wins in different ways. 

 

He does a great job winning on the inside during pass rush situations and I would expect him to get a lot of opportunities inside this year.  The other thing he does well is when he does get up field off the edge is setting up the tackle he's matched up again.  He gets to the QB depth and does a great job of shedding blocks and crashing down inside limiting the QBs ability to step up and escape. 

 

I am not sure he will ever be a guy that will get 10-15 sacks just because he lacks the elite first step, but he has a chance to be a very solid player.  To those bashing the pick, you need to give it some time.  He's only played 1 year of college ball and that was 2 years ago.  So, I can understand why some don't like it.  As good as he was in 2019, there wasn't that follow-up season so solidify what he did so there just isn't a lot to go by.  He has a lot of the traits you can't teach with his height and length.  Like I said.....he may never win off the edge, but there are other ways to win and he has the tools to do so.  It may take a year or two, but I think he'll be playing a lot.  I see him, at worst, as a better version of Shaq Lawson which isn't the worst thing in the world.  It will take some time, though, but along the way, you'll see some flashes.

[Nelius]

Young Zachary Kapono Wilson is going to get eaten alive. I can't wait.

[Rock-A-Bye Beasley]

6 minutes ago, sven233 said:

He's a guy that won't blow people off the edge, but he wins in different ways. 

 

He does a great job winning on the inside during pass rush situations and I would expect him to get a lot of opportunities inside this year.  The other thing he does well is when he does get up field off the edge is setting up the tackle he's matched up again.  He gets to the QB depth and does a great job of shedding blocks and crashing down inside limiting the QBs ability to step up and escape. 

 

I am not sure he will ever be a guy that will get 10-15 sacks just because he lacks the elite first step, but he has a chance to be a very solid player.  To those bashing the pick, you need to give it some time.  He's only played 1 year of college ball and that was 2 years ago.  So, I can understand why some don't like it.  As good as he was in 2019, there wasn't that follow-up season so solidify what he did so there just isn't a lot to go by.  He has a lot of the traits you can't teach with his height and length.  Like I said.....he may never win off the edge, but there are other ways to win and he has the tools to do so.  It may take a year or two, but I think he'll be playing a lot.  I see him, at worst, as a better version of Shaq Lawson which isn't the worst thing in the world.  It will take some time, though, but along the way, you'll see some flashes.

this is great insight. I think McDermott and beane really value strength over speed for defensive ends. How the league is trending is quicker passes.  That’s why  everyone on this board was banging the table for Ed Oliver. You need pressure up the middle. If you loop around regardless of how fast, you’re too late usually. 

 

I do like Oweh, but three weeks ago I was hoping Rousseau would fall to us. 
 

I think both will be good and break the drought of late first round DEs panning out. 

[junior]

Does anyone know where to find snap percentages for our DL during the 2018/19/20 seasons? I ask because I know McD prefers to have his defensive linemen cycle a lot, which I find interesting. 

 

Beane seems to like taking DL early (looking at Carolina's record while he was there and now here in Buffalo). With premium picks being used up on players that rotate in/out all the time, I would hope/expect for more sacks due to them being "fresh" during games.

 

That doesn't seem to be the case over the last few of seasons, so hopefully it starts coming together this year with Star back in the fold. Otherwise this is a lot of draft capital (1st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd) and money (3rd most in the league) tied up in a group that can be pretty underwhelming at times.

 

 

Edited April 30, 2021 by junior12thman92

[707BillsFan]

32 minutes ago, LEBills said:

He will be practicing and all the other things a football player does but I wouldn’t expect a ton of opportunities with Hughes, Addison and AJ ahead of him and with Obada and DJ getting reps at DE as well. They brought AJ along slowly last year

 

they kind of had to bring AJ along slowly due to the situation. No OTA's, training camp was a wash, no preseason games. He wasn't ready to play NFL football early on. He did come on at the end though after he got a feel for the game. We'll see how this off season goes. That'll go a long way in determining Rousseau's progress. If he's allowed to learn from the players mentioned and get some decent hands on coaching early on. He might be a quick learner if the past is any indicator. 

[BADOLBILZ]

35 minutes ago, Scorp83 said:

If we traded up with Minnesota for Etienne... we'll be talked about winning the Superbowl right now. Etienne would have elevated us so much...man that was such a bad pick by the Jags...James Robinson is a beast! They didn't need another back with Robinson on their roster. It's like cutting your nose to spite your face. That's why they're the Jags!

 

I've said it before.........name one running back that the Bills passed on that went in round 1 in the last 25 years that anyone regrets not getting.

 

It's doesn't happen.

 

Running backs used to be a dime a dozen.........now they are still a half dozen for a dime but their impact on the game has been greatly diminished.

 

First round picks are for players that you will have to pay upwards of $20M per year to on their second contract if they reach their ceilings.

 

Bills can win with what they have or find their version of James Robinson later.    RB's are still easy to find.

[Freddie's Dead]

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, aka JJ....

 

Edited April 30, 2021 by Freddie's Dead

[BobbyC81]

1 hour ago, Not at the table Karlos said:

I hate it. Should have been JOK. 

My thoughts exactly.  JOK was being mocked in late teens to early 20s and he drops in your lap at 30 and you don’t take him?!  He is the perfect athlete to add to deal with the Chiefs speed.  Kiper and the ESPN panel were critical that Roussea’s 15 sacks in 2019 mainly were coverage sacks and QBs running into him.  Most were from him playing the nose, not on the edge.  I liked Tryon better.  I would’ve also been happier with A. Samuel Jr.

 

My first reaction grade: C

[SydneyBillsFan]

2 hours ago, Fan in Chicago said:

Dude looked happy (unlike Gilmore)

 

Unhappy Gilmore?

[SydneyBillsFan]

2 hours ago, CNYfan said:

Wanted JOK, but I am a Rousseau rooter.

 

 

I hear you but FYI - that response has a much different meaning in my part of the world...😉

[Milanos Milano]

8 minutes ago, Freddie's Dead said:

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, aka JJ....

 

 

Greg is about to introduce the DE-QB social contract theory. 

[BADOLBILZ]

57 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said:

I mean montez sweat is 6'6 260 and ran a verified 440 at the combine 

 

And put up stats

 

In fairness, when Sweat was 19 he was a complete non-factor bench player at Michigan State.

 

He's a better athlete and by the time he was 21-22 he was putting up some numbers but his nose for the ball lagged behind that athleticism..........he left a lot on the table.

 

He's been pretty good as a pro but his size/speed screams NFL DPOY candidate but going into his year 25 season he's not really there yet.

 

[Rock-A-Bye Beasley]

6 minutes ago, ColeB said:

My thoughts exactly.  JOK was being mocked in late teens to early 20s and he drops in your lap at 30 and you don’t take him?!  He is the perfect athlete to add to deal with the Chiefs speed.  Kiper and the ESPN panel were critical that Roussea’s 15 sacks in 2019 mainly were coverage sacks and QBs running into him.  Most were from him playing the nose, not on the edge.  I liked Tryon better.  I would’ve also been happier with A. Samuel Jr.

 

My first reaction grade: C

according to beane’s post draft interview he knows how to get to the quarterback. Like a sixth sense and using his length to push the blocker and reach for the ball. Faster players can run fast but less results. 
 

it almost seemed like he was talking about Rousseau compared to Jason Oweh who went the pick after to the ravens. 4.36 40 and no sacks. Plenty of pressures but no sacks due to his eyes being on the blocker instead of the QB. 
 

I wanted Oweh recently but Rousseau was a pipe dream even three months ago 

[purple haze]

2 hours ago, atlbillsfan1975 said:

He has the traits. This team believes in that approach. Draft traits over production and develop the player. Could be the steal of the draft.

He had production though.  If they simply wanted traits Oweh was there for the taking.

[Rock-A-Bye Beasley]

13 minutes ago, ColeB said:

My thoughts exactly.  JOK was being mocked in late teens to early 20s and he drops in your lap at 30 and you don’t take him?!  He is the perfect athlete to add to deal with the Chiefs speed.  Kiper and the ESPN panel were critical that Roussea’s 15 sacks in 2019 mainly were coverage sacks and QBs running into him.  Most were from him playing the nose, not on the edge.  I liked Tryon better.  I would’ve also been happier with A. Samuel Jr.

 

My first reaction grade: C

aaand another thing I like JOK a lot but Rousseau has a similar floor if you consider future snap count. This was a true BPA-long-term-selection. 

[SydneyBillsFan]

2 hours ago, JerseyBills said:

ESPN wasn't impressed by the pick at all

 

 

That's what I call a ringing endorsement.

[Rock-A-Bye Beasley]

Just now, purple haze said:

He had production though.  If they simply wanted traits Oweh was there for the taking.

did you hear the post draft beane presser? I wanted Oweh and the way beane described Rousseau was uncannily opposite of Oweh. 

[purple haze]

1 minute ago, Rock-A-Bye Beasley said:

did you hear the post draft beane presser? I wanted Oweh and the way beane described Rousseau was uncannily opposite of Oweh. 

I didn't hear.  What did he say?

[Rock-A-Bye Beasley]

Just now, purple haze said:

I didn't hear.  What did he say?

Someone posted it on this board but he kept emphasizing instincts and length and the ability to push the o-line away and get to the QB. As opposed to straight line speed guys who get pressure and no results. Also mentioned strip sack ability 

4 minutes ago, purple haze said:

I didn't hear.  What did he say?

 

[Dr.Mantis_Toboggan]

Very polarizing pick.  It’s like “wrong Josh” all over again, hopefully it plays out similarly.

 

Swing for the fences, sometimes you might strike out, but when you’ve already hit a Josh Allen, you’ve earned the right to keep trying to hit them out of the park.

[Locomark]

Here is what SI’s senior draft analyst said about him
 

Rousseau is an extremely long edge defender who wins through blockers at extension with his hands rather than with speed and bend. He is a solid run defender and a solid athlete. As a player that is young, new to the position and still filling out his frame, he is very raw and will need a multi-year development plan before he can reach his very high ceiling. Rousseau projects as a developmental pass rusher who could possibly be dominant by his second or third year in the league as he has unblockable written all over him due to his power and length if he can learn how to convert speed to power. He is a risky pick who will not be a contributor out of the gate, but could pay off massively for the team that drafts him down the line.

 

So based on our anemic pass rush I am OK with having a guy that can be lined up to rush from all over the defensive line that can cause some havoc and has a long reach and is athletic enough to chase QBs down... it’s a risky pick but certainly no worse than AJ was last year.
Now let’s get us a CB2 and a future Center/ Guard on day 2. 

[HOUSE]

I really wanted Brian Orakpo

 

[Norcalbillsfan]

59 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

I've said it before.........name one running back that the Bills passed on that went in round 1 in the last 25 years that anyone regrets not getting.

 

It's doesn't happen.

 

Running backs used to be a dime a dozen.........now they are still a half dozen for a dime but their impact on the game has been greatly diminished.

 

First round picks are for players that you will have to pay upwards of $20M per year to on their second contract if they reach their ceilings.

 

Bills can win with what they have or find their version of James Robinson later.    RB's are still easy to find.

Rousseau is a gamble ill admit, but the pay off of a good edge rush on a rookie deal vs a good rb on a rookie deal is not even close. The steelers took Harris, he will start, will he be good? Probably. And everyone will say " see taking an rb isn't bad" but they don't realize the value of the pick and the 5th year option, and what they could have had with that pick. taking an rb in the first is becoming a thing of the past. And I'm glad the bills didn't take an rb.

[fridge]

I like how Beane said, “you don’t luck your way to 15.5 sacks.”

 

I’ve read that his competition wasn’t great and that he had an unfortunate pro day, but it really seems like we went with someone who has great instincts.

 

Many of his sacks were trips and underrated moves, and lord knows we really could have used some of that at times last year.

 

My bold prediction is that even though he seems more raw than AJ who we really eased in, we’ll see more of Greg and we’ll rush him inside on obvious pass plays to create mismatches with guards.

 

He might have a lot to work on technically to become a starter and every down guy — but we run a rotational unit and he’ll fit right in.

[BigDingus]

https://caneswarning.com/2021/04/28/why-is-miami-hurricanes-de-greg-rousseau-plummeting-on-nfl-draft-big-boards/

So basically scouts grew worried after he opted out a year, then showed up to his pro day heavier, not as explosive as he used to be, and wasn't looking like he used to.

Fair enough, but at the same time I'd be shocked if anyone could take a year off from actually playing football & not gain weight. Even if you're constantly working out, that doesn't just mean you'll stay at your playing weight. Only having that 1 good season worries me more than the rest, but I'm not knocking the pick.

Definitely risky, but I don't think pro day numbers matter nearly as much as his tape. How he plays in a game matters much more than his shuttle time or vertical jump.

[billsfan89]

1 hour ago, Scorp83 said:

Gregory Rousseau is going to be Mario Williams 2.0 the kid just turn 21yrs old April 5th, he runs a 4.67 at 6'7 265lbs... in 2-3yrs he going to grow & probably be 6'9 285lbs & will dominate this league especially with McDermott...he's going to make him better. 
Love this pick!

I don’t see him growing 2 inches at age 21. Typically when I see players have growth spurts in the NBA they are around 19 or 20. 

[Malazan]

The Bills roster is at a point that there's not many picks who will instantly walk in and be a starter. I know people love to hate Edmunds and Wallace, but it's not like any rookie on the board at that point was going to walk in and just push them out. I'd have gone a different direction, but I don't think gambling on a boom or bust prospect who has a lot of talent and has been a solid worker is crazy. 

 

He may need a year to get there, but that's right on time to replace a couple of the older guys currently on the roster.

[Motorin']

25 minutes ago, BigDingus said:

https://caneswarning.com/2021/04/28/why-is-miami-hurricanes-de-greg-rousseau-plummeting-on-nfl-draft-big-boards/

So basically scouts grew worried after he opted out a year, then showed up to his pro day heavier, not as explosive as he used to be, and wasn't looking like he used to.

Fair enough, but at the same time I'd be shocked if anyone could take a year off from actually playing football & not gain weight. Even if you're constantly working out, that doesn't just mean you'll stay at your playing weight. Only having that 1 good season worries me more than the rest, but I'm not knocking the pick.

Definitely risky, but I don't think pro day numbers matter nearly as much as his tape. How he plays in a game matters much more than his shuttle time or vertical jump.

 

He gained weight intentionally. And his 40 time at his pro day is on par with elite pass rushers. 

 

When we look back on this pick we may release that we got a top 10 talent because he slipped on a three cone drill and fell on his vertical. 

 

 

 

 

[John from Riverside]

3 hours ago, Gene1973 said:

Could have traded down and still selected him... Beane's weakness seems to be selecting D-Linemen.

I dont get the smugness of some of you.

 

You dont even know that you could have traded down and got him.   Paye goes off the board.......a start on edge rushers happened.....if the bills wanted greg they COULD NOT have traded down because the teams very well could have had Greg as their next best available.

 

People need to realize they dont know ***** just because they saw something on a mock draft.

[Sweats]

Meh...