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5 Buffalo Bills breakout candidates in 2022 NFL season

By Kris Mcandrews

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 03: Gabriel Davis #13 of the Buffalo Bills catches a pass before a game against the Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium on October 3, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 03: Gabriel Davis #13 of the Buffalo Bills catches a pass before a game against the Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium on October 3, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – JANUARY 09: Greg Rousseau #50 of the Buffalo Bills during the first half against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Buffalo Bills breakout candidate no. 2: Gregory Rousseau – DE – 2nd season

Look I get it. I understand the criticisms and the hesitation on the part of the pundits and fans alike. He only had one year of production at Miami, his skills are very raw, and he’s too tall to play low enough…

Here’s the thing though, playing opposite Von Miller, Rousseau doesn’t have to be an elite option. Opposing teams will have to scheme to block Miller.

The NFL has a long history of teams with a great pass rusher striking it rich if they can find an above-average pass rusher to play opposite him. Now, the addition of Shaq Lawson, back for his second stint in Buffalo, also adds some competition for Rousseau.

But I believe in his ability and his football IQ. No question Rousseau is raw. He came out of college with one good year of production at Miami and in that year he was second in the nation in sacks.

His NFL.com rookie scouting report states that his production came mostly in one on one battles- which is exactly what he will face based on the projected starting defensive line next season.

Quick feet and hands are my favorite qualities in an edge rusher, and Rousseau has both. With a little more development he will be a solid contributor.

I don’t know if the Miller-Rousseau connection will remind Bills fans of the Bruce Smith and Bryce Paup combo from the 90s, but I am cautiously optimistic that it will.

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