Locked On Nittany Lions Podcast: Today is Penn State pro day

Today is an incredibly important day for a handful of former Nittany Lions looking to make the move to the NFL. Today is Penn State’s pro day, with eight players participating in the event as NFL scouts and coaches observe what they have to offer. …

Today is an incredibly important day for a handful of former Nittany Lions looking to make the move to the NFL. Today is Penn State’s pro day, with eight players participating in the event as NFL scouts and coaches observe what they have to offer.

While linebacker Micah Parsons is pretty much locked in to being a first-round pick and Jayson Oweh and Pat Freiermuth are definitely going to be drafted in the upper half of the draft, the pro day event could be even more important for players like Lamont Wade and Steven Gonzalez.

How to watch Penn State football’s 2021 pro day

Also discussed in today’s episode is a story posted on 247 Sports this week circling one game on each preseason top 25 team’s schedule. It isn’t much of a surprise which school appears to be Penn State’s biggest opponent this season. But what top 25 teams might have Penn State circled on their schedule?

We also touch on the Big Ten’s announcement from Wednesday regarding attendance policies for the remainder of the spring sports schedules, and where we could be heading for the fall around the conference and at Penn State.

Follow Locked On Nittany Lions on Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcher, and wherever else you get your podcasts. Or, you can catch today’s episode below and listen in your browser.

Follow us on Twitter @NittanyLionWire and like us on Facebook for continuing coverage and commentary on the Nittany Lions.

Penn State Nittany Lions 2021 Football Schedule

2021 NFL mock draft: David Dorey

The Huddle’s David Dorey releases his first NFL mock draft of 2021.

David Dorey’s first mock draft of 2021 is now out. Sound off on social media and let us know what you think.

We’ll be unveiling more mock drafts than ever before this year, so be sure to check back with our 2021 NFL Draft Central page to keep track of all of our offerings.

2021 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1

Pick
Team
Pos
Player School
1
Jacksonville Jaguars
QB
Trevor Lawrence Clemson
2
New York Jets
QB
Zach Wilson BYU
3
Miami Dolphins (via HOU)
WR
Ja’Marr Chase LSU
4
Atlanta Falcons
QB
Justin Fields Ohio State
5
Cincinnati Bengals
OT
Penei Sewell Oregon
6
Philadelphia Eagles
TE
Kyle Pitts Florida
7
Detroit Lions
LB
Micah Parsons Penn State
8
Carolina Panthers
QB
Trey Lance North Dakota State
9
Denver Broncos
CB
Caleb Farley Virginia Tech
10
Dallas Cowboys
CB
Patrick Surtain II Alabama
11
New York Giants
WR
DeVonta Smith Alabama
12
San Francisco 49ers
EDGE
Gregory Rosseau Miami (Fla.)
13
Los Angeles Chargers
OT
Rashawn Slater Northwestern
14
Minnesota Vikings
OG
Alijah Vera-Tucker USC
15
New England Patriots
QB
Mac Jones Alabama
16
Arizona Cardinals
CB
Jaycee Horn South Carolina
17
Las Vegas Raiders
EDGE
Kwity Paye Michigan
18
Miami Dolphins
WR
Jaylen Waddle Alabama
19
Washington Football Team
OT
Christian Darrisaw Virginia Tech
20
Chicago Bears
OT
Jalen Mayfield Michigan
21
Indianapolis Colts
CB
Greg Newsome II Northwestern
22
Tennessee Titans
EDGE
Jaelen Phillips Miami (Fla.)
23
New York Jets (via SEA)
RB
Najee Harris Alabama
24
Pittsburgh Steelers
OL
Teven Jenkins Oklahoma State
25
Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR)
DT
Christian Barmore Alabama
26
Cleveland Browns
LB
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Notre Dame
27
Baltimore Ravens
EDGE
Joe Tryon Washington
28
New Orleans Saints
S
Trevon Moehrig TCU
29
Green Bay Packers
WR
Kadarius Toney Florida
30
Buffalo Bills
EDGE
Azeez Ojulari Georgia
31
Kansas City Chiefs
OG/C
Landon Dickerson Alabama
32
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LB
Nick Bolton Missouri

2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1

The first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft is a no-brainer, but from there all bets are off.

Here’s my first 2021 NFL mock draft. I tend not to project trades, and this year is no different — at least for now. The draft process is quite different this year, most notably without a scouting combine, so collegiate pro days will be more valuable than in recent years. Also valuable, in-game data retrieved from chips embedded into equipment.

Anyway, we’ll be unveiling more mock drafts than ever before this year, so be sure to check back with our 2021 NFL Draft Central page to keep track of all of our offerings.

2021 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1

  • The New York Jets’ No. 2 pick … I’m not convinced they’re done with Sam Darnold, and putting more weapons around him will help see what he can bring to the table. He’s only 23, and Zach Wilson is far from a sure thing. I can envision Wilson being the pick and Darnold remaining on the roster, but for a few reasons (durability questions, level of competition, overrated QB class), I’m not nearly as high on Wilson as others. This pick is extremely fluid.
  • A trade is absolutely in play, and Carolina jumps out as one of the most viable partners. The Panthers could secure Wilson, while New York then moves back just a handful of spots and picks up multiple picks. It would then allow the Jets to spend a more palatable No. 8 overall pick on a receiver and build around Darnold.
  • That being said, it makes the Miami pick at No. 3 all that much harder to project. I’m not sold on DeVonta Smith being the second-best receiver, let alone the second one chosen, and this pick almost certainly becomes Ja’Marr Chase if Wilson is the Jets’ No. 2 overall selection.
  • Several situations that appear to be obvious directions for teams to turn don’t necessarily compute for me. I’m not saying Chicago, New Orleans, New England and/or Washington won’t add a quarterback in Round 1, but I’m not seeing the scenarios playing out favorably.
  • Free agency opens March 17, and the player movement will undoubtedly create cause for an update after some of the dust settles.

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Pick
Team
Pos
Player School
1
Jacksonville Jaguars
QB
Trevor Lawrence Clemson
2
New York Jets
WR
Ja’Marr Chase LSU
3
Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
WR
DeVonta Smith Alabama
4
Atlanta Falcons
QB
Zach Wilson BYU
5
Cincinnati Bengals
OT
Penei Sewell Oregon
6
Philadelphia Eagles
TE
Kyle Pitts Florida
7
Detroit Lions
WR
Jaylen Waddle Alabama
8
Carolina Panthers
QB
Trey Lance North Dakota State
9
Denver Broncos
QB
Justin Fields Ohio State
10
Dallas Cowboys
CB
Caleb Farley Virginia Tech
11
New York Giants
EDGE
Gregory Rosseau Miami (Fla.)
12
San Francisco 49ers
CB
Patrick Surtain II Alabama
13
Los Angeles Chargers
OT
Rashawn Slater Northwestern
14
Minnesota Vikings
OG
Alijah Vera-Tucker USC
15
New England Patriots
LB
Micah Parsons Penn State
16
Arizona Cardinals
LB
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Notre Dame
17
Las Vegas Raiders
EDGE
Jaelen Phillips Miami (Fla.)
18
Miami Dolphins
RB
Najee Harris Alabama
19
Washington Football Team
WR
Kadarius Toney Florida
20
Chicago Bears
OL
Teven Jenkins Oklahoma State
21
Indianapolis Colts
OT
Christian Darrisaw Virginia Tech
22
Tennessee Titans
EDGE
Kwity Paye Michigan
23
New York Jets (from SEA)
EDGE
Zaven Collins Tulsa
24
Pittsburgh Steelers
OT
Jalen Mayfield Michigan
25
Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
DE
Christian Barmore Alabama
26
Cleveland Browns
CB
Jaycee Horn South Carolina
27
Baltimore Ravens
EDGE
Ronnie Perkins Oklahoma
28
New Orleans Saints
EDGE
Joe Tryon Washington
29
Green Bay Packers
DL
Levi Onwuzurike Washington
30
Buffalo Bills
EDGE
Azeez Ojulari Georgia
31
Kansas City Chiefs
OG/C
Landon Dickerson Alabama
32
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LB
Nick Bolton Missouri

Todd McShay’s mock draft has Patriots drafting elite defensive prospect, finding veteran QB

In this scenario, the Patriots would find a quarterback via trade or free agency.

The New England Patriots’ No. 15 overall draft pick is sparking curiosity from NFL analysts league-wide.

Will Bill Belichick break out of his comfort zone and draft a quarterback with the No. 15 pick or will he find a veteran? That question is entirely a mystery to this point, but there’s a good chance he uses the pick to bolster the roster in another depleted position group.

Belichick is known for having an elite crew of linebackers and the 2020 team was very far from that. Fortunately for the Patriots, Dont’a Hightower’s reportedly making his return, while second-year players Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings have some experience in the league now. But, the team still could use some depth and ESPN’s Todd McShay helped fill that void with his recent mock draft.

McShay projected the Patriots select Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons, who has the speed and ability to be anywhere on the field.

I’m watching for the Patriots to add a quarterback via free agency or trade this offseason — maybe Jimmy Garoppolo — and potentially take a close look at the Day 2 options at the position. But with the top five off the board, another need matches up with some great value in the form of Parsons. The Penn State do-it-all linebacker opted out in 2020, but he can make plays in coverage, shoot gaps as a run-stopper, chase down ball carriers and even get home on the QB as a pass-rusher. I love his game.

Parsons opted-out the 2020 season due to COVID-19, but was a force on the field in his prior two years. He’s 6-foot-3, 250 pounds and he runs a 4.4 40-yard dash. Parsons accrued 191 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and six forced fumbles over the span of those two seasons.

As for quarterback McShay believes the Patriots will either trade for a veteran or find one in free agency. It’s more likely to believe the 68-year-old head coach will want experience for his signal-caller instead of having to groom a first-rounder to lead this team to a playoff run.

The Patriots can’t go wrong in the first round if they walk away with Parsons at No. 15.

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Giants select Micah Parsons in latest mock draft from The Athletic

In the latest mock draft from The Athletic, the New York Giants select Penn State LB Micah Parsons in Round 1.

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We’re still some 57 days or so away from the 2021 NFL draft and the speculation is beginning to heat up. A lot must happen first. Franchise tag decisions are due next week and then free agency begins the week after.

Teams will satisfy many of their needs (we think — the lower salary cap will likely tamp the market down) in free agency which could change their draft strategies. The New York Giants are in the market for a few things, primarily offensive playmakers, a No. 2 cornerback, edge rushers, a backup running back and offensive line help. If they can’t secure Leonard Williams and/or Dalvin Tomlinson, they’ll also be seeking to backfill along the defensive line.

Chris Burke of The Athletic chimed in with his latest mock of first round of the 2021 NFL draft. At No. 11 overall he has the Giants selecting linebacker Micah Parsons of Penn State, who is not in any of the groups we mention above. He is the highest-rated player on the board and you know the old adage.

More likely to trade up or down? Up.

GM Dave Gettleman sometimes seems like he’d rather let the clock run out on his selection than trade back. But moving the other way this year could land him a premier receiver. I thought about offensive tackle Rashawn Slater and edge Azeez Ojulari here, but Parsons was too much of a value to pass up here. Give him a year or two to bank some more experience and the Penn State product could be a game-wrecking All-Pro on the second level.

First off, Gettleman make a draft day trade? Don’t lose any sleep thinking about that. He hasn’t in the past and he won’t again this year and he probably shouldn’t as they’ll be player worth the No. 11 pick starring at him when the Giants are on the clock.

In this mock, Burke has the Giants choosing Parsons over the Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith, and Miami defensive end Gregory Rousseau, two players the Giants are reportedly high on.

Parsons is a top 10 talent but reports of some violent off-field behavior have surfaced and some experts believe that could cause him to fall out of the top 10. Burke has the Giants right there to stop the free fall.

In a recent mock draft by Pro Football Focus, Parsons falls all the way to Cleveland at No. 26 but not for the reasons stated above. It’s his work in pass coverage that they see as “raw,” which in today’s NFL is an essential trait for a first round linebacker to possess.

What the Giants have to weigh is Parsons a compliment to Blake Martinez or can he be a force out on the edge. I’m not seeing the fit but with a talent such as his, you find a way to make it fit.

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Giants select Micah Parsons in latest CBS Sports mock draft

In the latest mock draft from CBS Sports, the New York Giants select Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons at No. 11 overall.

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While most mock drafts have seen the New York Giants stick with two or three of the same players for much of the offseason, CBS Sports has routinely changed their pick at No. 11.

In each of the last four CBS Sports mock drafts, the Giants have selected someone different.

First, it was USC offensive tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker, then it was Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith, and in mid-February it was Miami edge rusher Gregory Rousseau.

Most recently, CBS Sports has the Giants going with Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons in Round 1.

The Giants have needs along the offensive line, but the defense could use some upgrades too. Micah Parsons opted out of the 2020 season but he’s the No. 1 LB in this class.

In this scenario, the Giants take Parsons with Smith, Vera-Tucker, Rousseau, Florida tight end Kyle Pitts and Michigan edge rusher Kwity Paye all still on the board.

Talk about a golden scenario for general manager Dave Gettleman. Endless options and almost no wrong choice.

Still, would the Giants forego their need for offensive playmakers to add yet another defender? Parsons certainly has the potential to be a game-changer at the NFL level and was dominant prior to his 2020 opt-out, but it’s all about need meeting value.

Recent speculation has Parsons potentially falling to the bottom of Round 1 (we admittedly don’t see that happening), which would provide the Giants a potential opportunity to trade back up and snag him similar to what they did with cornerback DeAndre Baker in 2019. That is, if Parsons is high on their draft board.

Capable of playing both inside and outside linebacker, Parsons would provide defensive coordinator Patrick Graham plenty of versatility, He’s also a guy who can rush the passer, giving New York that one true edge threat they currently lack.

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Touchdown Wire mock draft has Jags addressing defense with No. 25 pick

Some expect the Jags to give Lawrence offensive help with their second first-round pick, but this mock draft shows them addressing defense.

There may not be much controversy when it comes to the first overall pick, which Jacksonville will almost certainly use to select former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. However, there are several directions the team could go with the 25th overall pick, which it received from the Los Angeles Rams as part of the Jalen Ramsey trade.

With a potential trade in the works for Baltimore offensive tackle Orlando Brown, the Jaguars likely won’t address the offensive line in the first round if that goes through. Another possible option would be to reinforce the receiving corps, but the latest mock draft from Touchdown Wire has the Jags addressing the other side of the ball.

This projection has Jacksonville selecting former Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons with the 25th pick, a talented defender who would help a linebacker unit that struggled last season. Parson has some off the field concerns, but if those can be managed, this pick would be a steal.

There’s absolutely no question about Parsons’ value on the field — based on that alone, I’d address him as a top-10 talent in this class. But serious off-field issues, including a fight involving Parsons and defensive back Isaiah Humphries that Penn State head coach James Franklin allegedly told Humphries not to report to police, will — or at least should — raise the hackles of NFL teams. Humphries sued the school in 2020. There are also allegations of sexual assault related to hazing that must be considered when evaluating the entire Micah Parsons picture.

“Well the Jaguars need help on a formerly great defense that Tom Coughlin blew apart over the last few years with his ‘get off my lawn’ approach, and to say the least, Urban Meyer has always been… lenient when considering off-field issues.

Lawrence is the best player in the 2021 class, and he has that high floor/high ceiling combination every team wants at every position, but especially at quarterback. Over three seasons with the Tigers, Lawrence completed 758 of 1,138 passes for 10,098 yards, 90 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, and a passer rating of 164.3. He increased his completion percentage, his yards per attempt, and his adjusted yards per attempt in each of those three seasons, and there really isn’t anything that confounds him. When under pressure in 2020, he completed 28 of 69 passes for 449 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. Lawrence also ran 68 times last season for 208 yards and eight touchdowns, so there should be no question about his effective mobility. The future is now in Jacksonville, and its name is Trevor Lawrence.
With the Chris Doyle situation occurring, the NFL community is likely watching Urban Meyer’s transactions a little closer than others, which might make a scenario where the Jags draft Parsons unlikely. However, information could become available in terms of teams who’ve met with Parsons virtually, which could help provide answers of who has him on their respective boards.
From a talent standpoint, this mock made the Jags’ roster stronger. They would land a franchise quarterback and a potential stud for the front seven. Though receiver options like Kadarius Toney or Elijah Moore are certainly intriguing, the Parsons pick would strengthen one of the worst defenses in football.

Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: EDGE/LB Micah Parsons

Micah Parsons is one of the best edge defender prospects in the country and should be on the Atlanta Falcons radar at No. 4 overall.

Micah Parsons is one of the best edge prospects in the country and should be on the Atlanta Falcons’ radar at No. 4 overall. While he’s listed as a linebacker, Parsons’ best fit in the pros is at edge defender.

EDGE/LB Micah Parsons, Pennsylvania State University

6-foot-3, 245 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: Opted out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2019: 13 Games Played, 109 Tackles, 14.0 Tackles for Loss, 5.0 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 4 Fumbles Forced, 5 Pass Deflections, All-American, First Team All-Big Ten, Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP

2018: 13 Games Played, 83 Tackles, 5.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.5 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, First Team Freshman All-American

Highlights: Vs. Michigan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpF7k-Pjbq4

Strengths

Micah Parsons’ biggest strength is his ability to get after the passer. His ideal fit would be in a multiple defense that allows him to move around the formation and attack the passer. Parsons is able to shed blocks with ease and has the ability to wrap up on any quarterback or running back and close plays out.

Against the run, he’s one of the smartest defenders coming out of the draft. He knows the angles to attack and is tough to block out of plays. Even if he gets blocked, he’s able to stack-and-shed as a linebacker against the run. He sets the edge effectively and can even play the run well when lined up as a true off-ball linebacker.

The versatility he has to play either edge defender or inside linebacker will help him see a lot of playing time too. Big, strong and fast, Parsons’ athletic profile should be right up there with the Von Millers and Khalil Macks of the world. The difference from guys like Vic Beasley is he’s extremely competitive and has a non-stop motor.

Weaknesses

Over-aggression is something that Parsons will have to overcome at the pro level if he ends up with the wrong defensive coordinator. He’s not a true read-and-react kind of guy, but more of an attack-and-conquer kind of linebacker. Parsons needs more discipline, which definitely shows up in coverage. He’s got the raw abilities to be effective in coverage, but he doesn’t have the instincts yet.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Clay Matthews III

Parsons could be a good fit early on rushing the passer and playing the run while continuing to work on his coverage skills. His best attribute is how well he can rush the passer from a multitude of angles. Much like Clay Matthews III, he will be a pass rusher primarily early in his career, but towards the middle of it, could slide into more of a true Mike role.

How Parsons fits into the Falcons’ plans

The Atlanta Falcons could take Parsons in the first round as early as fourth overall, and it would still be a good pick. He could instantly start on the edge in Dean Pees’ defense. Once he improves in coverage, the Falcons could use him as part of a three-man LB unit that’s always out there on the field with Deion Jones and Foye Oluokun.

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Scouting report comparison: Micah Parsons vs. Jarrad Davis

The reports on Davis coming out of Florida are nearly identical to Parsons’ scouting reports

One of the most popular players in Detroit Lions 2021 NFL draft projections is Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons. He’s especially popular within the Lions’ own fanbase.

I’ll be honest, I find the obsession with Parsons fascinating. And part of the reason for that is because of just how virulently a significant portion of the Lions fan base despises Jarrad Davis — a player who came to Detroit with a nearly identical scouting report coming out of Florida.

First, here’s the report on Parsons from NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, a former NFL scout and one of the most respected draft analysts. It was written last summer, but Parsons opted out and did not play in 2020 so there is nothing new to add to the on-field evaluation.

The positives from Jeremiah,

First of all, he has a big, athletic build for the position. His play speed is excellent and he has the versatility to play off the ball or on the edge. As an inside linebacker, he possesses a trait that is rare in today’s college game: He can physically take on blocks. He attacks guards and can escape to make plays after a collision. He did the same versus the fullback in the Iowa game last season. He eats up ground in a hurry when chasing plays to the perimeter and is a very reliable tackler.

Jeremiah continued,

Parsons also excels against the pass. He can cover backs and tight ends all over the field. He has the vision and instincts to make plays in zone coverage. He’s a dynamic blitzer from the middle or off the edge. He has phenomenal timing and burst. His overall instincts are top-notch.

And the negatives on Parsons coming out of Penn State,

 He will get overaggressive and overrun the ball at times. However, that is offset by his ability to redirect and eventually find his way back to the ball-carrier. He also had a few issues locating the ball on some zone-read plays in the Ohio State game. Playing against that scheme requires incredible discipline and he was pulled out of position at times.

Now we’ll go back to NFL.com and its scouting report on Davis from the 2017 draft class. This is written by Lance Zierlein, another longtime NFL talent evaluator…

  • Excellent flexibility throughout his trunk
  • Can twist and turn to slither into gaps
  • Plus acceleration to chase all over the field
  • Scouts say coaches are effusive in their praise of his leadership, work ethic and character
  • Can be rude to company
  • Erupts from coiled hips with a jarring pop under the pads of oncoming blockers
  • Runs downhill with choppy steps in balanced, tackle-ready position
  • Effective in spy role with athleticism to mirror mobile quarterbacks
  • Has closing burst that could become a weapon as a blitzer
  • Wrap-up tackler with strong finishing rate
  • Improved his discipline pursuing to the sideline
  • Did a better job of leveraging running backs against the boundary
  • Forceful redirect of tight ends out of their routes
  • Good peripheral helps him spot crossing routes without having to drop eyes from the quarterback

Now for the negatives on Davis,

  • Downhill routes to the ball can be problematic
  • Will step too far downhill and get trapped in traffic on counters or bounces to the perimeter
  • Needs to play with more consistent technique and positioning to properly leverage his gaps against gap plays
  • Lateral scrapes sometimes lack patience forcing him to overrun run fits and open cutback lanes
  • Sometimes prioritizes attacking blockers too high
  • Has to get better at seeing and working past the blocker and toward the runner rather than issuing so many physical challenges that get him behind in pursuit

Looks familiar, eh?

The draft analysts at Pro Football Focus echoed many of the same similarities between Parsons and Davis. First, here’s the PFF summary of Davis from 2017,

Like Wagner, Davis is an elite athlete but is undersized for an inside linebacker. While that can inhibit him in some ways, Davis has everything needed to be a pro bowl linebacker.

Bottom line: Davis is an excellent athlete who possesses the first-step explosiveness to beat blocks to the point of attack as well as threaten the QB on pass rushes. He also has the speed and agility to drop effectively in coverage, and can stay with tight ends and backs all over the field. If he can improve his tackling, as well as become more consistent with his run keys, he clearly has the athletic skill set to be an every-down player at the NFL level.

Now here’s what PFF says of Parsons in 2021,

The only real knock on his game is his limited coverage responsibility in Penn State’s scheme. He played all of 65 snaps in man coverage back in 2019. That’s not an end-all, be-all, though; he can still easily hunt down ball carriers with his movement skills in space.

At the end of the day, Parsons is simply too freaky to pass up. He earned the second-highest run-defense grade of any true sophomore linebacker in the PFF College era. He reportedly runs in the 4.3s at 240-plus pounds. If he were solely an edge rusher, he’d likely be EDGE1 with the way he attacks blocks. Parsons is the real deal.

It’s a higher-end projection — as it should be given Parson’s awesome play in 2019 — but the trait comparison is quite similar.

How about this evaluation from Walter Football?

Davis is a rare linebacker with a great skill set. He is very fast with sideline-to-sideline speed that allows him to cover a ton of ground. Davis is explosive as a runner and as a hitter with some real shock that surprises offensive linemen and ball-carriers.

Davis also demonstrated skills for the passing game and is a dangerous blitzer. In the short to intermediate zone, he does well with picking up receivers and also has shown some ball skills. As a professional, Davis could be an asset as a linebacker weapon to neutralize receiving-threat tight ends and running backs in man-to-man coverage. Davis should be a true three-down defender in the NFL.

Sure sounds like Parsons, doesn’t it? The traits listed there are precisely what the Lions need in the middle of the defense entering 2021. Yet bringing back the player described there would be about as popular with most of the Lions fanbase as bringing back Matt Millen as the team’s GM.

The point of this little exercise is to highlight the folly in being overconfident in any player being the answer. Parsons is a high-end prospect, no question about it. His game film from 2019 is stellar, but that doesn’t make him a can’t-miss prospect — especially after not playing for a full season. He’s also got some disturbing character questions that never plagued Davis.

The relative failure of Davis to live up to the lofty expectations and insane athletic potential cannot be ignored in evaluating Parsons. It doesn’t mean Parsons will turn out the same way. Coaching played no small part in Davis’ failure to pan out optimally, and that regime is now (mercifully) gone. But fans believing Parsons is a sure thing and the answer to the Lions’ defensive prayers appear to need a reality check. And that reality check is the eminently familiar Jarrad Davis. Just check the report…

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2021 NFL draft film room: Penn State LB Micah Parsons

See for yourself what Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons brings to the table as a 2021 NFL draft prospect

As we look ahead to the 2021 NFL draft, it’s time to get acquainted with some of the top prospects in this year’s class.

What does Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons bring to the table? Check out the film and see for yourself:

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