2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: Big Ten Conference
By Kyle Edmond
Penn State – Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Junior
Like Fields, Micah Parsons was a shoo-in for the Penn State rep on this list, but he also has the option to return for his senior year if he would want. Already being touted as one of the top linebackers in the 2021 NFL Draft, Parsons just has to stay the course and continue what he’s done in the past to secure being a top pick come April.
Being the only player for the Nittany Lions in 2019 to crack triple-digit tackles with 109, Parsons has solidified himself as the heart of the Penn State defense. Parsons also was second on the team for tackles for loss with 14, just one shy of the team leader, Yetur Gross-Matos. Parsons also added five sacks to his stat line, which included a team-lead four forced fumbles and one recovered.
Parsons has played in all 13 games both of his seasons with Penn State. Between his stability and impact on the field, he could fill a huge hole in any defense. To put it into perspective, his 109 tackles were just one shy of Luke Kuechly’s sophomore season mark at Boston College while Parsons had more tackles for loss and sacks.
Although Kuechly had more of an impact in the passing game, registering seven interceptions at BC, Parsons is definitely on the same level as a college player. That could very well lead to Parsons becoming the cornerstone of a defense like Kuechly.