2021 NFL Mock Draft: Justin Fields leaps to Jaguars at No. 1, Dolphins nab Ja’Marr Chase
By Randy Gurzi
Miami. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Gregory Rousseau. 7. player. Scouting Report. 50
One of the teams who will be replacing both a head coach and a general manager this offseason is the Detroit Lions. They could be looking for some wholesale changes, but that seems less than likely. There’s still enough talent on the offense to compete as long as they get the right coach — and while the defense has some pieces, they need to get better at chasing the quarterback.
For that reason, they use their top pick on Miami’s Gregory Rousseau to shore up their edge rush. After a breakout in 2019 with 15.5 sacks, Rousseau elected to take the season off and prepare for the NFL Draft. He has all the tools to become an elite pass rusher and that’s what Detroit needs.
Micah Parsons. 8. LB. Penn State. player. 87. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Matt Rhule’s first season as head coach of the Carolina Panthers was ruined by the injuries suffered by Christian McCaffrey. However, even if they had their star running back, they likely weren’t going to be contending in the NFC South this season. Instead, this year was all about installing a new program that will take a couple of years to pay off.
As they continue to try and build their franchise up, they take Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons here with their first pick. Parsons is a player who can do just about anything and will improve the entire defense. With McCaffrey and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on offense, the Panthers could become a much better team by playing efficient offense and strong defense. Parsons helps in that endeavor.