Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Lions move down and get risky at No. 13
13. Detroit Lions (via LAC): Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
We need to revisit the Lions trading down, especially when you see the two trades that took place after they did so inside the top 10. By comparison, Detroit didn’t get an extra first-round pick in their deal with the Chargers while the Panthers and Broncos both did. So why would the Lions okay that?
Frankly, it all comes down to positioning for the long term. Detroit seems desperate to move out of the No. 7 pick at this point. Moreover, they are clearly taking a page out of the Miami playbook by stockpiling draft picks for the future as the roster needs a massive overhaul for them to be competitive within the next five years. This trade accomplishes that and puts them in a better range to grab a player who fits exactly what they need.
The Lions linebacker group looks pretty rough at this point as Jamie Collins has been fine and nothing more as of late while Jahlani Tavai and Jalen Reeves-Maybin have been up and down to this point. Micah Parsons, thusly, could be a game-changer for this defense.
I understand there are character concerns with the Penn State linebacker but a team in need of talent like the Lions can’t pass up this type of athlete, especially with the tough-minded Dan Campbell surely convincing the front office that he can keep anyone in line. This seems like a natural fit if Detroit moves down.
Who I Would Pick: Micah Parsons