Phin Phanatic
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Opinion: Top 3 players the Miami Dolphins should draft at 18

By Nick Belotto

COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 02: Kwity Paye #19 of the Michigan Wolverines in action on defense during a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on November 2, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. Michigan defeated Maryland 38-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 02: Kwity Paye #19 of the Michigan Wolverines in action on defense during a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on November 2, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. Michigan defeated Maryland 38-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Gregory Rousseau
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) /

While their defense was incredible last season, the unit still has a few holes that need to be filled to build off of last year’s success. That includes an edge rusher of some kind to help Miami’s lack luster pass rush from last season. Kwity Paye might be at the top of the EDGE rusher class, but I don’t feel like there is a ton of separation between him and some of the other players in this class.

The Dolphins could easily look towards Gregory Rousseau as an option to help flesh out the pass rush. Of course, and similarly to the other EDGE rushers on this list, there are some concerns about Rousseau.

In terms of his play, he will need to get stronger physically to be dominant at the next level. This should be easy for Rousseau because his athletic capability is off the charts. He is a long defender who is pretty quick off of the snap and has a solid motor coupled with explosive play. He also had a great season in 2019, where he lodged 15.5 sacks in the season. The issue with this number is that it truly was one season.

Rousseau didn’t play in 2020, opting out because of Covid-19. That’s the biggest reason why it’s hard to see what kind of player Rousseau could be in the NFL. Is he going to be just a flash in the pan with one huge season or does he have more of that in him?

Time will tell on the answer to that question, but there is a lot to like about Rousseau’s physicality and athleticism. If Miami takes him, they will probably have to be patient with his development but he could easily turn into an impact starter for the Dolphins on the outside of their defensive front.

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