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2021 NFL Draft: Top EDGE Gregory Rousseau opting out of 2020 season

By Cory Kinnan

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 21: Gregory Rousseau #15 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates with the "Turnover Chain" after a sack and fumble recovery in the first half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Hard Rock Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 21: Gregory Rousseau #15 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates with the "Turnover Chain" after a sack and fumble recovery in the first half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Hard Rock Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Gregory Rousseau is the latest 2021 NFL Draft stud to opt out

Make it four top 2021 NFL Draft prospects to opt out of the 2020 season in order to train for their pre-draft process. After Caleb Farley, Rashod Bateman, and Micah Parsons, Miami edge rusher Gregory Rousseau has decided to play it safe and use his time to train for the draft.

While he is still a bit raw in his technique, Rousseau had an ultra-productive redshirt freshman season a year ago, his first year playing off the edge full-time. Could he have used another season on the field to develop his pass rush moves? Sure. However, nobody is going to fault a first round lock for choosing to prepare for his biggest job interview instead.

Looking at the numbers for Gregory Rousseau

After playing just one game prior to his redshirt freshman season in 2019, Rousseau put together quite an impressive introduction to his collegiate career. In 13 games, Rousseau not only tallied 34 solo tackles, but racked up 19.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 15.5 sacks for the Hurricanes’ defense.

As he prepared for his redshirt sophomore season, many were looking forward to the next leap the 6-7 and 265 pound edge rusher could make. Instead the next time they will see him on a football field will be on Sundays at the next level.

What is his 2021 NFL Draft projection?

As briefly mentioned prior, Rousseau has the makings of a first round lock. While he is unrefined with his technique off the edge, his length and athleticism cannot be overlooked by teams drafting in the top-15 of the 2021 NFL Draft. This afforded him to sit on just one year of tape and skip the 2020 season.

Next. Decision of Caleb Farley can set precedent for NFL Draft hopefuls. dark

As he now trains for the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine, Rousseau will have plenty of time to get his body in shape to wow NFL teams and scouts. Should he test off the charts next February, as expected, then his ceiling could be in the top-five of next year’s draft.

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