Niner Noise
FanSided

2021 NFL Draft: 49ers bulk up secondary in full Round 1 mock

By Peter Panacy

University of Alabama's Patrick Surtain II (2) Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
University of Alabama's Patrick Surtain II (2) Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
23 of 32
Next
Gregory Rousseau, Miami Hurricanes
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Gregory Rousseau (15) Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

30. . EDGE. New York Jets. Gregory Rousseau. 23. player

2021 NFL Draft: Jets (via Seahawks) select EDGE Gregory Rousseau, Miami

The Jets could go one of many different directions with this pick acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for safety Jamal Adams last year.

It would be smart to find some pass-catching weapons for Zach Wilson, and the offensive line built to protect him is far from complete despite last year’s draft addition of Mekhi Becton.

But Robert Saleh’s defense is predicated on having an elite-level pass-rusher, and 49ers fans know this too well. While Saleh adjusted in the wake of not having EDGE Nick Bosa last year by blitzing more, the new head coach’s preference will be to establish a solid four-man pass rush.

Getting a freakish EDGE like Miami’s Gregory Rousseau would be a smart way to go.

True, Rousseau opted out of 2020, and he had only one year of excellent production, 2019, yet those 15.5 sacks from the 6-foot-7 behemoth that season suggest he can be a pinnacle piece if he’s able to maintain that kind of prowess into the NFL ranks.