2021 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins get top pick in new mock draft
By Kyle Edmond
9. Atlanta Falcons: Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Penn State
It has been well illustrated the number of first-round selections on the Falcons offense and most of them are from recent drafts. With a roster built like that, odds are the Falcons will turn to the defense to continue building, which is where they will need to put their attention anyway.
After what I see as a 5-11 season for Atlanta, they will have to invest more on the defense side of the ball. They spent this off-season improving the offense in an attempt to keep up with the moves around the division, but they really need defensive help now.
The offense is rather set, but in their division, with the amount of talent at both quarterback, running back and wide receiver by the other three teams, defense will be a major concern for the Falcons.
Atlanta is one linebacker away from a really strong front seven. Parsons provides a leader in the middle of the defense with the versatility to stretch the field. He isn’t quite the same as Isaiah Simmons, but the comparison is a fair one that will come up a lot during the next year. He also provides an anchor in the middle of the defense to command the field.