2021 NFL Mock Draft: Zach Wilson rises to Jets at No. 2 in 3-round projection

At No. 11, the New York Giants elect to take Micah Parsons from Penn State despite the fact that they need a wide receiver help even more desperately than they do at linebacker. And wideout is even more of a need after releasing Golden Tate recently. So why go linebacker?

Simple — this is the best player on the board. Parsons is a minster on the defensive side of the ball, as pointed out by CJ Errickson of NFL Mocks who talks up his ability to lead a defense.

"“What separates Micah Parsons from every other collegiate linebacker in the nation is his sideline to sideline athletic abilities. As you can see above, Parsons is a linebacker who doesn’t just flow downhill; he also possesses top-flight lateral quickness in both the pass and run defense.” — Errickson, NFL Mocks"

Errickson was high on Parsons’ ability to not only shut down the running game, but also to play in coverage. A true three-down linebacker, Parsons should be an immediate impact player at the next level.

New York will still need help in the pass-catching game but with their draft position, they’re going to have a shot to land someone early in the second round while also boasting a possible top-10 player here at No. 11