The Baltimore Ravens partially addressed their issues at wide receiver. This was reflected in the latest CBS Sports mock draft. The NFL Mock Draft had the Ravens selecting Gregory Rousseau, an edge rusher from Miami. Rousseau is a 6-7, 265-pound redshirt sophomore coming off winning the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.
NFL Mock Draft Predicts Ravens Draft Gregory Rousseau
Positives
He’s an explosive pass rusher and a great athlete. Rousseau can play out of a three-point stance or standing. He is quick on his feet and he can bend the edge. Rousseau has a great work ethic and is very versatile, having the ability to line up inside or outside.
Negatives
Rousseau doesn’t yet have enough muscle to do well in the NFL. He can be shut down by one blocker and struggles in run defense. Rousseau graduated high school a year early and he did not play this season. While graduating early is a testament to his work ethic, he needs a lot of work. He played wide receiver and safety in high school before switching to the defensive line. Yet again, while this is a tribute to his athleticism and physical attributes, he still needs a lot of work.
Rousseau’s stats are deceiving. He had 15.5 sacks last season. Most of his 15.5 sacks were when he lined up inside. That will not carry over to the NFL. He’s undeveloped in multiple aspects.
Gregory Rousseau Fit With Ravens
The Ravens have been burnt by edge rushers who can’t stop the run. Baltimore depends on their front four being able to stop the run. That is one of the key points of their defense and Rousseau does not yet fit that bill. Another key piece to the Ravens defense is versatility. Rousseau is very versatile and would fit in well with Wink Martindale’s defense. However, the Ravens need someone who can make an impact immediately. Rousseau is not ready to start on the Ravens defense, which was the second-best defense last year.
Verdict
The Ravens need a pass rusher. Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue left for the Patriots and Raiders, respectively, and they were their best two pass rushers. Rousseau is not the answer. He has tremendous upside, but there are serious concerns. The Ravens will have to see who is left at 27, but I would definitely pass on Rousseau.
