Buffalo Bills 2021 NFL Draft quick reaction grade: Carlos Basham Jr.
The Buffalo Bills are making it a point to address their pass rush and after selecting Gregory Rousseau with the 30th overall, they came back and selected Carlos “Boogie” Basham Jr. with the 61st overall pick.
Carlos Basham Jr. is a very different player from Rousseau in almost every aspect. He is a player that doesn’t necessarily have the measurables as Rousseau and is a little shorter at 6’3″ but a little heavier at 274 pounds.
While the measurables are different, he has plenty of tape and has proven he can be a productive pass rusher as a member of the Demon Deacons. Basham Jr. was a three-year starter for Wake Forest and was their best pass rusher, especially the past two seasons. He had 15 sacks and 22.5 tackles for a loss in 19 games during that stretch.
Grade for the Buffalo Bills selection of Carlos Basham Jr.: A
It is hard to find something not to like about this pick for the Buffalo Bills. Carlos Basham Jr. is exactly what this defense needs right now and moving forward. He is an experienced pass rusher that can be a part of the rotation at defensive end right from the start.
However, he has the versatility that will allow him to line up inside at defensive tackle as well and could be the answer to what they expected Quinton Jefferson to be last season. When the Bills defense is facing passing situations, they can slide Basham Jr. inside next to Ed Oliver that creates what should be an effective pass rush with just their front four.
Next. 3 players the Bills regret trading away in franchise history. dark
The Buffalo Bills coaching staff will undoubtedly have some tough decisions at the position during training camp and then how they develop the rotation. However, Carlos Basham Jr. is one player that certainly should have a role in this defense as a rookie and be a boost to the pass rush.