Many believe that its way too early to be writing and reading 2021 NFL mock draft articles, but is it, though? With both college and pro seasons tinkering on the edge of shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are plenty who are already bypassing this season and looking towards the future.
Mark Schofield of Touchdown Wire has published his “way-too-early” 2021 mock draft this week and has the New York Giants drafting high again — sixth overall to be exact — meaning they won’t be taking much of jump this season. In 2019, they finished 4-12, earning the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s draft in which they selected Georgia offensive tackle, Andrew Thomas.
With this pick, however, Schofield has the Giants looking for defense, selecting Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons with the sixth overall pick.
“Parsons is a true sideline-to-sideline player, who seems to be playing two steps ahead of everyone else on the field,” writes Schofield. “He combines great athleticism with tremendous vision and instincts for the position. Parsons is also able to do more than most linebackers: He was a defensive end in high school and his pass-rushing traits show up when he’s allowed to attack the passer. But he also has the coverage skills you need from a linebacker if you are going to trust them in sub packages or on third downs. He can be the matchup type of defender that modern defenses need.”
This season will determine whether the Giants are still in need of linebackers. This offseason, they signed Blake Martinez in free agency, re-signed Markus Golden, drafted four linebackers and are retuning Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines, Ryan Connelly and David Mayo.
Although Parsons would be a nice addition, if things break right for the Giants, he could end up being a luxury.
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