Buffalo Bills edge defender named one of the best players under 25

Gregory Rousseau has become one of the best run defenders in the league, earning a run defense grade of 79.6, which ranked 11* in the league among edge defenders. The problem is while he's had at least four sacks each of his first three years, he hasn't become the pass rush threat fans hoped. 2022 was his most productive season in terms of sacks with eight, but the Bills and fans hope to see him crack double-digit numbers this season. Rousseau's overall PFF grade of 87.1 ranked him 13th among edge defenders.

Pro Football Focus published their top 25 players under 25, and Rousseau is number 18. If Rousseau can develop into a more formidable pass rusher, he'll be considered among the best in the league. The Bills believe he will and showed that faith by picking up his fifth-year option without hesitation. Here is what PFF wrote about him.

"Rousseau has steadily improved, going from a 73.1 PFF overall grade as a rookie to an 80.7 mark in 2022 to finally being the 13-highest graded edge defender in the league in 2023 (87.1)

However, while Rousseau's production improved every season, he has yet to surpass 600 snaps in a regular season. The next step in his development will be keeping up the same production in an increased role."

- Pro Football Focus

With Leonard Floyd out and questions about Von Miller's ability after returning from his ACL injury in 2022, the Bills will be counting on Rousseau to take that next step in his development and become a pass-rush force. However, PFF mentioned he's never exceeded 600 snaps in a season, but in Coach McDermott's defensive system, Buffalo uses a heavy rotation along the defensive line. This trend is expected to persist this year, particularly if Miller regains his top form and 2024 rookie Javon Solomon delivers strong performances in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.