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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
Dec 6, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) gestures to the crowd against the New England Patriots during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Buffalo Bills

2021 Stats:

  • 50 Tackles
  • 4.0 Sacks
  • 1 Forced Fumble
  • 4 Pass Defenses
  • 1 Interception

In 2020, the Buffalo Bills took A.J. Epenesa out of Iowa in hopes that he could be a leader for them at defensive end. His rookie season wasn’t great though, and Buffalo decided to act fast as they picked Miami’s Gregory Rousseau at No. 30.

Rousseau was one of the biggest names in college football heading into the 2020 campaign but then he opted out due to COVID-19 concerns. This might have had something to do with teams over-thinking his status as he went from a top-15 prospect to a player who barely made it into Round 1.

For the Bills, that was perfectly fine as they landed one of the better talents late — and Rousseau had an impact as a rookie.

His stats were good with 55 tackles, four sacks, four batted balls, and a pick but they also didn’t do him justice. Rousseau ended up starting all 17 games and proved. tobe stout against the run in addition to his ability to rush the passer. PFF even graded him in the top-30 at his position in the NFL, which is not bad at all considering defensive ends often need more time to develop their game at the pro level.

Looking ahead, Rousseau now will have an opportunity to work with Von Miller who was signed in the offseason. Throw in Boogie Basham, who they took in Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft, and Epenesa who could still develop, and this is suddenly a major strength for the Bills.

Grade: A

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