NFL analysts underestimated Bills DE as potential ‘breakout’ candidate

The Buffalo Bills, despite being one of the most competitive teams in the NFL in recent years, have several underrated and nationally overlooked players on their roster, and perhaps no player fits that description better than defensive end Greg Rousseau.

There hasn’t been much national fanfare surrounding the 2021 first-round pick despite his draft capital, but the 24-year-old has unquestionably emerged as one of the best defenders on Buffalo’s roster. Once considered a 6-foot-7 rough ball of clay, Rousseau is now a well-rounded contributor who, while not the most consistent player in the world, is both solid against the run and effective as a pass rusher. Given Von Miller’s injury-related regression during the 2023 season, Rousseau is firmly placed atop the Bills’ depth chart at defensive end heading into his fourth season.

Rousseau’s demonstrated ability and upside have been noted by Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team, who recently identified the pass rusher as a defender who could break out in the 2024 campaign. Mosher notes that Rousseau has enjoyed a steady rise throughout his professional career, which could allow him to emerge on the national stage this fall.

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“Rousseau was a much better player in 2023 as he created more pressure (68) and improved significantly as a run defender,” Mosher wrote. “During the 2022 season, Rousseau was just an average run defender that teams ran to when possible. But in 2023, he became an above-average run defender, finishing the season with 19 saves. His improvement as a run defender has been consistent, though it was a weakness coming out of college. Now, he’s an every-down player who can thrive in any situation.”

” . . . Another encouraging statistic is his overall rushing success rate (16.0%), which is higher than other star rushers including Maxx Crosby (15.5%), Danielle Hunter (15.7%) and not far behind TJ Watt (16.9%). If that number continues to rise, we should see Rousseau have a double-digit sack season sooner rather than later… The Bills need Rousseau to be a star on the edge and a consistent rusher in big games. And given his trajectory, it’s not hard to believe that will happen given his rapid improvement.”

As Mosher points out, 2023 was Rousseau’s best professional season despite his decline in sack production. He recorded just five last year after recording eight in 2022; however, his total pressures increased to a career-high 62, up from 51 the previous season, according to PFF.

We’ll dismiss the notion that Rousseau was previously an “average” run defender, though, as his run ability has long been one of the most surprising parts of his game. All things considered, he was relatively new to the defensive end position as a rookie, but he still showed mature form and technique as a run defender. He recorded a team-high 41 saves against the run in his rookie campaign, establishing himself as one of the team’s best run defenders since then.

Buffalo faithful have watched Rousseau gradually piece together pieces of his game throughout his professional career, showing noticeable development each year. If his ascension continues this season and sees him grow as a pass-rusher, he could be a household name by this time next summer. The defensive end is currently tied to the Bills through the 2025 season, as the club picked up his fifth-year option this spring.

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