With the 11th Pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Giants Select…
Today is the first day of the NFL playoffs, but for us Giants fans, we are already looking ahead to the offseason. Our season ended in heartbreaking fashion when Nate Sudfeld trotted onto the field instead of Jalen Hurts. By finishing with a 6-10 record, there is a lot of work to do for the G-Men. With Dave Gettleman returning as general manager, there are a lot of big decisions he needs to make this offseason. They need to decide if Leonard Williams is worth the long-term extension he is will demand. They need to go out a get a true number 1 receiver as well as address the edge rush and continue to upgrade the offensive line.
Todd McShay in his first-round mock draft may have the solution for the Giants at edge-rusher. As of right now, McShay has the Giants selecting edge-rusher Gregory Rousseau out of Miami. Let’s take a deep dive into what Rousseau would bring to the G-Men.
Elite Pass Rushing
Gregory Rousseau is one of, if not the best edge rusher in the NCAA right now. He decided to opt out of this most recent season, but that certainly does not diminish his talent. In 2019, Rousseau accounted for 15.5 sacks. Those 15.5 sacks were good or #1 in the ACC and #2 in the entire NCAA. Rousseau is able to both over-power the OL and beat them with his speed, which makes him a matchup nightmare for the offensive line.
Versatility
One key advantage that Rousseau gives is his ability to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 formation. From either formation, he is able to beat his lineman with his speed or power. One move in particular that gives lineman trouble is his downhill-counter move . He is able to build up some speed, then stopping on a dime to cut into the inside part of the line and take on the guard rather than the tackle.
Similar to Isaiah Simmons in last years draft, Rousseau has the ability to stay with running backs or tight ends out in the flat. He is able to cover out in space, which is a very important skill for edge rushers to have in today’s NFL. His ability to play multiple positions will make him very attractive to NFL front offices.
Final Thoughts
Gregory Rousseau would address a major need for the Giants defense. The interior defensive line is set with Dexter Lawrence and Dalvin Tomlinson (even if Williams signs elsewhere). Other areas of needs include wide receiver and cornerback. The Giants have not had a true number one wide receiver since they traded Odell Beckham. There are some decent receivers on the free agent market this offseason like Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson, and Kenny Golladay. Do not be surprised if the Giants heavily pursue Robinson or Golladay. There a lot of moves the Giants need to make in order for them to be true contenders, and Rousseau would make an excellent addition to a defense that is trending in the right direction.
-Pete Chatterton (@Pchat12)