The Buffalo Bills have always seemed to draft well, particularly with edge rushers. General manager Brandon Beane and his scouts have, most of the time, preferred bigger edge rushers who prioritize strength and power over smaller, faster edge rushers.
This draft strategy, however, has paid off due to the NFL's slow but recent transition back to a power run game containing 12 personnel (1 running back, 2 tight ends) and 13 personnel (1 running back, three tight ends), which you don't really see much of in college these days.
The NFL supports power edge rushers with the capability to sack the quarterback while being a force in stopping the run, which the Bills need to improve on this season. Also, most power edge rushers are not the flashy, larger-than-life type figures; rather, they are quiet, humble players who consistently create pressure and wreak havoc on opposing linemen and quarterbacks.
Let's take a look at how Jim Leonhard's new defensive scheme could unlock even more aggressive play from one of the Bills' consistent pass rushers on the team.
Jim Leonhard's new defensive strategy could unleash new approach for Greg Rousseau
Of all the power edge rushers Beane has tried to add over the years via free agency and the draft, the most consistent, durable edge rusher would have to go to Rousseau. He fits the power rusher mold with his 6-foot-6, 266-pound frame, which complements his size with an athletic playing style focused on sacking the quarterback and being unapologetic about putting offenses into long-yardage situations.
He fits Leonhard's scheme well because of his ability to stop the run at the second level and pressure offenses to convert first downs from behind the sticks. He can also get to the gap to sack the quarterback, underscoring his skill to contribute successfully on the field this season.
Other players who could learn from Leonhard's new strategy
The Bills also have Bradley Chubb on the roster, another power rusher. At 6-foot-4, 268 pounds, similar to Rousseau, Chubb is familiar with the scheme, as he can also set the edge against 12- and 13-personnel while stopping the running back right in his tracks.
Then, their 2025 second-round pick, T.J. Parker, is another big, long power rusher at 6-foot-3, 263 pounds. The Clemson product will be rotated in for Rousseau and Chubb to keep them from tiring out. He will be used primarily to sack the quarterback until he becomes more familiar and gains valuable on-field experience through increased playing time, so that he can blossom into a top-notch player.
Rousseau is still 26 years old and wants to demonstrate that he is ready to work on Leonhard's new defensive strategy and to show what he can bring to the team.
Plus, the trio of Rousseau, Chubb, and Parker could be a tough group to mess with, and hopefully this scheme will bring together a trio that was never formed with the old defense, which comprised of Von Miller, Leonard Floyd, and Joey Bosa.
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