By Craig J. Santucci @NYGiantsRush
The New York Giants only have six picks in the 2021 NFL draft. Regardless of position Dave Gettleman and his team must hit on Pick No. 11 to keep the mojo flowing. Miami’s Gregory Rousseau might be that player; however, Big Blue is in no position to roll the dice on what could be a bit of a project.
Let’s be clear, the New York Giants could use Rousseau’s skill set. The kid can ball. Unless the Giants trade back or he falls to round two, I don’t see the Giants using the eleventh pick to draft him. While the NFL combine allows you to see guys in shorts and T-Shirts, should the Giants gamble early on a player with next to no experience?
Need for an Edge Player:
The Giants desperately need an edge rusher and possibly a Defensive Tackle if Leonard Williams and/or Dalvin Tomlinson leave New Jersey. In a very thin draft position class, Miami’s DE, Gregory Rousseau is the leading candidate to be drafted early.
While the combine will open the eyes of some NFL personnel and push a handful of edge rushers up the draft board, Rousseau will most likely receive a bulk of the hype.
Sophomore Season:
Rousseau’s sophomore season for the Hurricanes was electric. He is long and rangy and has the ability to play inside and outside. That versatility is attractive for Patrick Graham who moves his lineman up and down the defensive line formation.
The 6’5″ 260 lbs D lineman racked up 19.5 TFL | 15.5 sacks | 54 tackles. Those numbers jump off the page. However, Rousseau has only played 14 college games.
*2018 – broke his ankle after 1 game
*2019 – eye popping numbers
*2020 – opted out
Change of positions:
Rousseau is extremely raw and has been away from the game for the second time in three years. The Giants brass does not have the ability to look back at high school film to see his quick maturation at the position because he was primarily played at safety and wide receiver.
There is no doubt Rousseau is an extremely dynamic football player, but his overall technical development and experience are just not there. One might ask themselves if he is getting the best advice. If he stayed in Miami for the 2021 season he would most likely project out as a top 10 player. A second full year at the position would help him dramatically work on his footwork, strength, and technique. The overall development of muscle memory practice produces and the in-game experience, can not be duplicated.
The New York Giants need a player to set the edge, play the run and get after the Quarterback. First Round draft picks start on Opening Day.
Can the Giants roll the dice with No. 11 pick?