2021 NFL Draft: Alabama, Ohio State load up two-round mock draft
2021 NFL Draft 1st round: 4th pick
44. Scouting Report. LB. Micah Parsons. 4. player. Pick Analysis. Penn State
The Atlanta Falcons fired longtime general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn during the 2020 season, and they have cast a wide net to find their replacements.
Atlanta has an offense that, at least on paper, you would think could win a championship in today’s NFL. Matt Ryan is a good quarterback, Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley are one of the best receiver duos in the league, and the Falcons have invested a lot on the offensive line.
Defensively, however, the Falcons are a clear work in progress.
Atlanta’s defense was supposed to be their calling card under Dan Quinn but they have become notorious for blowing leads in recent years.
In 2020, the Falcons ranked 32nd against the pass and the team’s sack leader (off-ball linebacker Deion Jones) finished the year with 4.5 quarterback takedowns.
The Falcons need to upgrade in the coverage department as well as in the pass rush department, and Micah Parsons is a guy who can frankly do a bit of both.
Parsons is one of the most naturally gifted pass rushers in this class despite that not being his full-time position, and he’s also tremendous in coverage when that is his responsibility.
The best defensive player in this draft class, Parsons is an athletic freak who will fit whatever kind of defensive scheme the Falcons are poised to run.