Usually an animated guy, Bills defensive end Mario Addison gave a pretty head-turning response not too long into his press conference from training camp this week.
Asked how he felt when he realized that the team selected back-to-back pass rushers with their first two picks at the 2021 NFL draft? Not the answer one might expect.
“That’s amazing,” Addison recalled.
One of the first thoughts by onlookers after the draft was that the additions of Greg Rousseau and Boogie Basham would be bad news for Addison. Less snaps to go around.
Only have of that is true, as Addison explained.
“I don’t want to play 50 snaps a game, 50-60 snaps a game and these guys can play as well. When you have guys, young guys, that can contribute that same way that you do? That’s what the team needs,” Addison said.
The 13-year veteran who had five sacks in 2020 went on to say the best type of pass rusher a team can have is one that is fresh. If that means both he and some talented rookies are rotating while keeping their energy levels up? Addison will sign up for that.
And boy does he think Rousseau and Basham have what it takes.
“Boogie has a bigger frame, he’s real powerful, but he runs like a defensive end so speed to power, he uses his hands, he’s going to dominate whoever’s in front of him every time,” Addison said.
“And Greg? Long guy, Amazon… Godzilla, you got to look to up to him all the time talking to him and you’re like, ‘dang bro, you a big guy,’” Addison added. “Seeing how he’s setting the edge, rushing, and using all his length, it’s tremendous. He’s coming off the ball punching and the guy is barely getting out of his stance. I’m like, ‘Damn, we have long arms.’”
Finally, while not quite as animated as Addison, he wasn’t the only one tossing out the compliments in Orchard Park. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott praised Addison, too..
And if Addison and McDermott’s thoughts hold weight, Buffalo could improve their pass rush in 2021, which was the top thing on the team’s to-do list this offseason.
That’s something that might go a long way for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
“Mario’s back,” McDermott said. “He looks good. I think he’s in a good mental space.”
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