2021 NFL Mock Draft: Trevor Lawrence tank pays off for Jaguars, Trey Lance to Raiders
Pick Analysis. 4. 87. Scouting Report. LB. Penn State. Micah Parsons. player
The only thing that is going to keep Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons from being a top-five pick is the position he plays. We saw people question Isaiah Simmons in this past year’s draft, though Parsons is much more of a prototype for the position than Simmons. And even though he does play linebacker, the Nittany Lions star should still be a top-10 lock because he’s one of the best prospects at the position in quite some time.
Brad Kelly of Cover 1 broke down why Parsons shows all the necessary traits of a prospect that has the potential to be a top-tier NFL linebacker:
"Parsons has elite traits for a linebacker from a size and athleticism perspective, but what makes him so intriguing is his instincts for the position. He has the versatility to take reps and thrive at stand-up linebacker, edge rusher and the overhang. Parsons has the potential to be the best linebacker prospect in years, and will be an early favorite for a top pick in 2021. With his production, traits shown on film and continued development from his time as a top five overall recruit, Parsons has the makings of a future All-Pro in the NFL."
The Carolina Panthers made NFL Draft history in 2020 as they used every selection they had on a defensive player. That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t take another defensive prospect at the top of the 2021 NFL Draft, though. They need a replacement to anchor the middle of the field with Luke Kuechly gone and Parsons checks every box to be the best chance at filling that hole.