A pair of defensive studs not playing in 2020 go No. 5 and 6
Micah Parsons had already opted out of the 2020 season prior to the Big Ten shutting it down for the fall (for now). Of course, when you’re hands-down the best linebacker in the 2021 NFL Draft class, you have that luxury. The Giants need a tone-setter that can move all over the field in all facets and that’s what the Penn State stud does every time he lines up.
People want to get Tua Tagovailoa some weapons in the first round and, while I approve, the Dolphins need to wait. If Gregory Rousseau is there early in the first round, they need to keep him in South Florida and grab him. The pass-rusher is long, explosive and tore up opposing offensive lines all last season. He opted out of 2020 but he’s a top-10 lock and the Dolphins should capitalize.
Detroit has been consistently adding good players but the results just haven’t been there, for whatever reason. My belief is that they need three-down playmakers in the trenches on defense to take more control. Marvin Wilson Jr. out of Florida State is that. The big defensive tackle is not only a game-wrecker with a never-ending motor but he’s a terrific leader that his teammates can get behind.
For me, there are bigger needs I’d like to address than wide receiver at No. 8 for the Jets. At the same time, fans have been crying for playmakers and there’s no question that Gang Green needs some. As such, they take the dynamic Jaylen Waddle here. A big-play threat whenever his cleats are touching grass, Waddle gives the Jets a monster weapon to hopefully help Sam Darnold continue his development.