For the longest time, it seemed like Justin Fields would be the first B1G player selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. According to the most recent edition of Mel Kiper Jr.’s mock draft, that won’t be the case.

Linebacker Micah Parsons is actually the first B1G player projected to be picked in the 2021 NFL Draft based on Kiper’s 4.0 mock draft. He has the former Penn State star going No. 9 to the Denver Broncos.

Currently, Fields is one spot behind Parsons at No. 10, being selected by the New England Patriots. He’s the fifth quarterback expected to be taken in the draft, per Kiper’s latest predictions.

Based on Kiper’s latest projections, Parsons would be the first defensive player selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. Ahead of the ex-Nittany Lion are four quarterbacks, two wide receivers, an offensive lineman and a tight end.

Many believe Parsons is the best linebacker in this year’s draft class and potentially one of the top players at the position in many years. Even though he opted out of the 2020 season, Parsons’ draft stock hasn’t changed much since the end of the 2019 college football season.

You can view Kiper’s complete two-round mock draft on ESPN.com (subscription required).