2021 NFL Mock Draft: Bears, Falcons, 49ers all join QB rat race
50. . LB. Detroit Lions. Micah Parsons. 7. player
Overcorrections are something that happens in every facet of life. So it shouldn’t be a surprise to see the Detroit Lions change course from the faux-genius act of Matt Patricia to the intense stylings of Dan Campbell at the head coach spot. There are questions here too about the future of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford but, at the end of the day, the defense remains the wart of this roster.
There are some intriguing pieces on the Lions defense but they need a general to both man the middle of the field and lead the charge. Micah Parsons has all the tools to be that player. The Penn State linebacker has had his motivation called into question but his talent and on-field performance are wholly undeniable with the potential to be an All-Pro linebacker early in his career.
8. player. 87. . TE. Carolina Panthers. Kyle Pitts
Some people are quick to pencil the Carolina Panthers in as a team that could select a quarterback, even by way of trading up, in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, Teddy Bridgewater was good enough in his first season with the franchise to make me believe that he deserves another chance to start turning things around with a young roster. And adding Florida tight end Kyle Pitts would go a long way in that capacity.
Pitts is an absolute matchup nightmare with the ability to move like a wide receiver with the size of an elite tight end. In the 2020 season, he improved immensely as a blocker to make him an even more valuable asset at the position. His ability to contribute as both a move blocker and dynamic passing game weapon would be a great addition to the Carolina offense.