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5 fun or practical targets for the Titans in the 2021 NFL Draft

By Brady Akins

Sep 21, 2019; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Gregory Rousseau (15) celebrates by wearing the turnover chain after recovering a fumble in the first quarter of a football game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2019; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Gregory Rousseau (15) celebrates by wearing the turnover chain after recovering a fumble in the first quarter of a football game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 23: Gregory Rousseau #15 of the Miami Hurricanes in action against the FIU Golden Panthers in the first half at Marlins Park on November 23, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 23: Gregory Rousseau #15 of the Miami Hurricanes in action against the FIU Golden Panthers in the first half at Marlins Park on November 23, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Practical (And A Little Fun):  Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami

Who said that practical picks can’t be a little fun too?

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Even with the free agency signing of Bud Dupree, and the continued development of Harold Landry, pass-rush might remain as the Tennessee Titans’ biggest team need. Neither Landry nor Dupree through their young NFL careers have shown the consistent dominance needed to be a top-tier threat on the edge. And after finishing with just 19 sacks in 2020, the third-fewest in the league, the Titans could really use a top-tier threat on the edge.

Gregory Rousseau out of Miami could be just that. Is he a bit young? Yes. Despite being just 20 years old, Rousseau felt himself ready for the big leagues and declared for the NFL draft after opting out of his team’s season. Is he a bit inexperienced? Also yes. Rousseau had a brilliant 2019 season after redshirting in 2018, finishing the year with 15.5 sacks and 19.5 TFL’s in just 13 games with the Hurricanes. But that 2019 season, for as glorious as it was, remains Rousseau’s only season of experience in college.

But even if the sample size is small, the potential is too great to write off as a fluke. Even as a redshirt freshman, Rousseau dominated every team unlucky enough to face him. Heading into the NFL, he could be bound for a similar trajectory as an instant impact player.

And even if he does struggle a bit in the NFL, he won’t be working on his own. Landry and Dupree might not be the pass-rush superstars that the Titans need right now, but they’re more than talented enough to help lighten the load for Rousseau as he blossoms into the player he has the potential to be.

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