Ad Disclosure
Despite not playing in 2020, Penn State’s Micah Parsons still viewed as top LB in NFL Draft
Published:
Micah Parsons didn’t have to play another snap at the college level following his sophomore season to secure his status as a high selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite opting out of the 2020 season, the former Penn State linebacker is viewed as the best at his position in this class.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently released its list of top linebackers available for the 2021 NFL Draft. Parsons was in the No. 1 spot.
Since the conclusion of the 2020 NFL Draft, Parsons has been viewed as one of the best defensive players in this year’s class and has been considered as high as a Top 5 pick in the first round. Although there are some variations as to where he may get picked, Parsons is still considered an early-to-mid first-round selection.
Micah Parsons didn't play last season and is still LB1 pic.twitter.com/VTOX7JZAkj
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 10, 2021
Parsons had a magnificent sophomore season in State College, racking up 109 tackles, 14 for loss, 5 sacks, 5 pass break-ups, and 4 forced fumbles in an 11-2 year for the Nittany Lions. He rocketed up the draft boards after an incredible performance in a Cotton Bowl victory over Memphis, totaling 14 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 pass break-ups and 2 forced fumbles.
In two years at Penn State, Parsons accounted for 192 tackles, 19 stops for loss and 6 forced fumbles. He opted out of the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where will Parsons fall in the 2021 NFL Draft? It’s hard to tell. But there’s little doubt he’s still one of the best players available.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB