StripeHype
FanSided

NFL Draft: 5 EDGE defenders capable of saving the Bengals’ pass rush

By Hunter Bittinger

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 26: Linebacker Joseph Ossia #46 of the Texas Longhorns runs down the field after a fumble that was later overturned during overtime of the college football game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 26: Linebacker Joseph Ossia #46 of the Texas Longhorns runs down the field after a fumble that was later overturned during overtime of the college football game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Cincinnati Bengals
Gregory Rousseau. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

Bengals EDGE targets: Gregory Rousseau, Miami (Fl.)

As things stand, Gregory Rousseau out of Miami is the top pass rusher on many draft boards. With the way the Bengals’ season is trending, they may just be able to nab a player of his status.

Although scouts haven’t gotten to see Rousseau in action this season due to his decision to opt-out, it’s easy to see why he is held in such high regard across the football landscape. In 2019, as a true sophomore, he burst onto the scene for the Hurricanes, racking up an astounding 15.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 54 tackles.

He’s got all the measurables in the world, standing at 6’7 and weighing in north of 250-pounds. With that kind of length, he’s able to keep offensive tackles off of him while also having the option to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage.

Due to his age and limited experience, he is still a work in progress. While that might sound like a negative, it should actually be viewed positively. Sure, he’ll need to refine his technique, add more tools to his repertoire, and could still put on some more weight, but if he’s coming away with 15.5 sacks prior to accomplishing those tasks, what is his ceiling?

Simply put, Rousseau is an elite prospect with the potential to blossom into one of the premier pass rushers in the league. Pairing him with Carl Lawson could give Cincinnati a dangerous duo.